Robert Steven Craddock
June 26, 2018
On Tuesday, June 26, 2018, Robert Steven Craddock, age 70, went home to be with the Lord. Robert was born on July 15, 1947, to John and Alice Craddock in Des Moines, Iowa. At an early age, he began his education with the Des Moines Public School System and attended classes at Upper Iowa University. He first attended Bethel AME Church where he first learned his love for the Lord.
At the age of 18, Robert proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for 2 years during Vietnam and upon his return, he then enlisted for another 2 years in Vietnam, serving in the United States Marine Corps. Later, he went on to work as security for the Meredith Corporation from 1980 until his retirement in 2011.
On March 15, 1980, Robert married the love of his life, Erlene and took on the roles he was most proud of - husband, father, and later on grandfather. In accepting his calling from the Lord, he joined Corinthian Baptist Church and for many of those years he served as Chairman of the Deacon Board with a deep passion for serving others.
Along with serving his community, Robert was most happy spending time with his family, traveling the U.S. and abroad, attending sporting events and concerts, and especially shopping to look his Sunday best every day of the week.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 38 years, Erlene; children, Danita (Corey) Robinson, Roberta (fiancé, Ronnie Vang) Craddock, Mercedes (fiancé, Jared Catron) Craddock, and James (Shannon) McDermott; grandchildren, Emily, Isaia, Jasminh, Robert, Symone and Steven; sisters, Rose Jones, DiAnn (Ray) Alexander, and Cathy (Van) Clark; and a host of extended loving family and friends.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, John and Alice Craddock and brother, Randy Craddock.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., with family present from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, July 2, 2018, at Corinthian Baptist Church, 814 School St., Des Moines. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 3rd also at the church, followed by burial at 2 p.m. held at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Van Meter.
Memorials may be directed to the church in memory of Robert.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
John Fisher
07/02/2018
I havent expressed this much grief since my wife died 25 yrs ago. Stevie was a true friend that I loved and miss greatly. I only knew him for 3 yrs but boy oh boy he was very special to me in so many ways. Good bless you Erlene and your family. Tears keep flowing
Rita Rogers
07/01/2018
I was attending elementary school with Randy, When he passed.
He was my friend, quiet & beautiful smile, like his Brother Deacon Robert.
I have thought of Randy over the years. May they both meet & rest together..
Laurie
07/01/2018
My condolences to the family of Robert. I did not know him, or any of your family, but as a retired Hospice nurse, my weird hobby is reading obituaries. Reading Roberts brought a smile to my face as I read the line to look his Sunday best every day of the week. That line told me he must have been a wonderful man who cared about putting forth his best effort in everything he did. Blessings to each of you and may memories of sweet times console you.
Kenrie Lane
07/01/2018
My condolences to your loved ones. May you rest in peace.
Rosie
06/30/2018
This is beyond painful!
Lori A Young
06/30/2018
To the Craddock family, especially Ms Erlene, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad point. Church won't be the same without Deacon Craddock presiding and watching over us. His devotion to God and serving His people was an example to follow. And the way he took care of his family is how a real man does it! He will truly be missed, but he is with God now, receiving his reward: eternal life! Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.
The Vances
06/30/2018
To the family... My heart goes out to you all! Deacon Craddock was a dapier man that had a big strong heart for others and never hesitated to assist others in their need! I love you all and im proud to have known him! To Deaconess Craddock... I love u with all of me and my heart and services are yours whenever you need it! Love you all!
Love,
The Vances
Annie Mcknight
06/29/2018
Our prayers are with your family we are praying for you at this time of your loss God bless you and thank you Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church
Vickythrasher&parentsphil&sandy
06/29/2018
Steve will be really missed. His smile, kindness, his grilling, and his waving either coming or going some place.he was a wonderful friend and neighbor. God speed. You all are in our prayers and in our thoughts.
Teresa and Anna Marousek
06/29/2018
My prayers and thoughts are with you during this time of Sorrow. My daughter and I have looked up to Deacon Craddock for so many years. My daughter and I rest assure that we will see him again in heaven when we all get up there.
DiAnn Craddock-Alexsnder
06/28/2018
I will miss you so much Brother Steve!! Theres so much I can say to you. I know you know that I loved you so much and you loved me back. You were such a warrior and I hope you know that you are my hero. I never ever forget you and will always carry you in my heart. One day we will all be together. Tell mama and daddy and Randy I miss them so much too, but have wonderful everlasting memories of us all together.
Little Sister,
DiAnn
MARY GUTIERREZ
06/28/2018
My condolences to the family. May GOD'S word comfort you. Isaiah 26:19; Rev.21:4,5; also jw.org for more support.
Janet Turner Lottie
06/27/2018
I will miss your smiling face and your spectacular eye glass collection. Sending posotive thoughts and prayers to the entire family. You were always a staple to the Corinthian family and you will be missed so much!