Steven G. Crafton

Steve “Crappy” Crafton 

Steve Crafton, 52, of Andalusia, boarded the train tracks to heaven, peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospital.  

Steve was born on April 17, 1970, the son of Danny Crafton and Diana Elliott. He was blessed with a second mother when his father married Kristi, and as well as a second father when Diana married Mariano (“his brown dad”).  Throughout his life, he tested their patience and restraint. But above all else, he filled their hearts with joy, laughter, and love. 

Steve found his soulmate, Darcy Sikma, and they were married on January 5, 2013. In total, Steve and Darcy were together for 17 years of happiness and unwavering love. They both found their forever love, and the way Steve said, “hey, sugar,” said it all.  

Steve served his country as a Marine for 4 years and lived by the core values of Semper Fi. 

Steve was a devoted General Superintendent with Crafton Railroad for 20 years. He worked hard and played even harder. He loved to travel and was able to do so for work and pleasure. Steve loved to share the stories from his travels, and people loved to listen. He spoke of building Michael Jackson’s railroad in Neverland… He could always tell you the best places to visit and the shit-holes to stay away from. He loved anywhere he could be with his wife, including Chicago and The Florida Keys. He was a die-hard Cubs and Auburn fan and loved finding Triple D restaurants. He and Darcy attended many Cubs games, accompanied by trips to the piano bar and stays at the Talbot.  He enjoyed great tasting food, and the worse it was for him, the more he loved it. 

Steve was a wonderful and sometimes unconventional father. He had no idea that a tiny little human could drop him straight to his knees with the thought of a dirty diaper. His kids were a gift, and they knew it as he bellowed, “Damn it! I love you, kid!” 

He gained a few more children when he met Darcy. They were loud, filled with emotion, and on numerous occasions, would surprise him with the topics of their conversation. He loved them like his own and always made sure they knew it.  

Steve walked through this life, being exactly who he was. He filtered nothing. His character was one of a kind, and although he looked like a bear, he was as kind-hearted as they come. He gave the best and most painful bear hugs, the most disgusting zerberts. Above all, he gave us his love, and for that, we will be forever grateful. His compassion for others and willingness to help will always be a reminder that there is good in this world, even if we only get to see it for a short while.  

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00-4:00 pm on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at Andalusia Lions Club, 302 2nd St W, Andalusia, IL. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to his memorial fund via the options listed below.  

Survivors include his wife, Darcy; parents, Danny Crafton and Diana Villania; siblings Eric Crafton, Nickolas Doscher, Marc Villania, Anthony Villania, and Stephanie Brown; children Christopher Crafton, Ivy Lanier, Lindsay Begyn, Elizabeth Cavazos, and Austin Sikma; grandchildren, Allyson, Rolin and Wheeler Begyn; Paisley and Easton Cavazos; and several nieces and nephews. He also left behind his beloved dogs Lily and Zoey, and kitty Auburn. 

As his last act of love here on earth, he was able to be an organ donor and give the gift of life to others.  

Memorials can be sent via Venmo to @Darcy-Crafton, via Zelle to craftondarcy@gmail.com,  

Or mailed to Darcy at the following address 

 P.O. Box 127

Andalusia, Il 61232 

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