DUANE “DENNY” CRAFT WAS A CHARTER MEMBER OF THE FRANKLIN COMMUNITY VFD WHEN IT WAS FOUNDED IN 1963. ON THE EVENING OF JANUARY 22, 1978 THE FRANKLIN COMMUNITY VFD WAS ALERTED TO RESPOND WITH BETHANY VFD FOR A STRUCTURE FIRE. MR. CRAFT WAS ASSIGNED RADIO DUTY ON THIS CALL AND STAYED ON STATION MONITORING AND RELAYING RADIO TRANSMISSIONS BETWEEN THE RESPONDING ENGINE COMPANIES AND BROOKE COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS. DURING THE COURSE OF THE CALL MR. CRAFT HAD COLLAPSED FROM AN APPARENT HEART ATTACK AND ALTHOUGH IMMEDIATE CPR AND REVIVAL EFFORTS WERE ADMINISTERED MR. CRAFT PASSED AWAY WHILE ENROUTE TO THE HOSPITAL. MR CRAFT IS SURVIVED BY HIS WIFE MILDRED CRAFT OF WELLSBURG WV AND SEVERAL CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN ALSO REMAIN.
Duane was a fine brother in law. Missed a lot by his wife Mildred. Rest In Peace Duane.
– Charles “Jack “ yoder