Keith Randall Kraft, 79, of Chanute, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, at his home.
He was born March 19, 1946, in Gridley, Kansas, to Lewis and Thelma (Reed) Kraft. On July 16, 1982, he married Marilyn “Kay” Camren in Miami, Oklahoma.
Kraft owned and operated Kraft Construction for many years before retiring and devoting his time to his longtime passion for cattle. He and his wife also owned and operated Krafties Bait Shop and Beauty Shop, later known as Krafties Gun and Pawn Shop — fondly referred to by neighborhood children as “the beer, bait and beauty.”
In his younger years, Kraft competed in numerous rodeos, riding broncs and bulls, and also trained and broke horses. He enjoyed hunting, working cattle and completing projects around the farm.
Kraft served six years in the United States Army National Guard. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 170 for more than 50 years and the Chanute Elks Lodge for more than 40 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Vernon Dean Kraft; and brothers Theodore “Ted” Kraft, Jerry Lee Kraft and Arnold Kraft.
Survivors include his wife, Kay Kraft, of the home; a daughter, Karmen Crawford; a stepson, John Johnston; stepdaughters Francine Brown, Deena Finley and husband Danny, Lori Reid and husband John, and Melisa Coltharp; sisters Charlene Raaf and Patricia Johnson; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren, with one on the way.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home. The family will greet friends during a visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.
Memorials may be made to the Cherry Street Youth Center and may be left with the funeral home.
