[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 30 (Friday, February 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE MEMORY OF GILBERT ROBERT CRAFT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 13, 2009

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, the city of Citronelle and the state of 
Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor Gilbert 
Robert Craft and pay tribute to his memory.
   Known to his many friends as ``Bobby,'' he was a lifelong resident 
of Citronelle. He graduated from Citronelle High School and Spring Hill 
College. He also served in the U.S. Army and attained the rank of 
captain.
   Bobby began his career in public service in 1968 when he was elected 
to the Citronelle Town Council. In 1970, he was appointed to 
Citronelle's Utility Board, which later became South Alabama Utilities. 
He served as chairman from 1972 until 1984 when he was named executive 
director, a position he held for more than 39 years. Under Bobby's 
leadership, the local utility company encompassing one municipality 
grew to become one of the most respected utilities in the South, 
expanding into Semmes, west Mobile County, and at one time, southern 
Mobile County.
   In honor of his service and unwavering devotion to his city, Bobby 
was twice named Citronelle's Citizen of the Year. He was the owner of 
two companies, Craft Auto Parts and Craft Oil Company, and was a 
devoted member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church where he was a 
member for more than 70 years.
   Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a 
dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout south Alabama. 
Gilbert Robert Craft will be dearly missed by his family--his wife, 
Patricia; his children, Gilbert Robert Craft Jr. and his wife Deena, 
Patricia D'Nette Fagan, and Matthew Reed Craft and his wife Kirsten; 
his five grandchildren, Tiffani Marie Craft, Joshua Robert Craft, 
Blakely Danelle Fagan, Reed Alexander Craft, and Raleigh Connell Craft; 
and his three brothers, Joseph P. Craft, James B. Craft, and William M. 
Craft--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind.
   Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult 
time.

                          ____________________