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Ryan-Craft

In Loving Memory

Craft, Ryan A.

Ryan Andrew Craft

1999 -2021

Ryan Andrew Craft (21) was born on September 20, 1999 in St. Louis, Missouri to Mike and Debbie (Burkhardt) Craft.  Ryan found peace after a tragic car wreck on September 2, 2021.

Ryan loved life and had courage to try anything and usually excelled at it, whether it was academics, baseball, basketball, or golf.  He graduated from Mehlville High School in 2018 and competed at State in golf.  Fishing and friends were two of Ryan’s most favorite things.  Ryan was a kind, gentle, compassionate, and hardworking young man with a great sense of humor.  He wanted to make everyone happy.  He lit up every room he entered leaving a smile on all faces.  He was a student at Fontbonne University majoring in Business Administration.  Ryan was engaged to the love of his life, and girlfriend of six years, Elizabeth (“Lizzie”) Koeller.

Ryan accepted Jesus and was baptized at St. Louis Family Church in Chesterfield.  He is a member of Rooftop Church where years ago he enjoyed youth group.

In addition to his parents and fiancé, Ryan leaves behind his older brother, David; grandfather, William Craft; Aunts Donna Vagen and Lisa Armstrong; Cousins Samuel Vagen, Brandon Caroll, Morgan Caroll, Jonathan Armstrong.  He will be missed by a large extended family and many many friends, as well as his dogs Pomegranate and Indigo.

Visitation:           Tues Sept 7, 3:00 pm -9:00 pm at Kutis Funeral Home in Afton, 10151 Gravois Avenue

Service:                Wed. Sept 8, 11:00 am with visitation at 10:00 at Kutis Funeral Home in Afton

Graveside:          Park Lawn Cemetery

In lieu of flowers remembrances in honor of Ryan may be sent to NAMI St. Louis, 1810 Craig Road, Suite 124;  St. Louis, MO 63146  https://www.namistl.org/get-involved/donate/

 

Condolences

104 thoughts on “Craft, Ryan A.”

  1. More than a friend but a brother. The things we went through together. I’m going to miss you like crazy. You’ve been a big part of my life and always will be. You’re one of the best friends I’ve had. I’ll always remember to throw a cast out for you. Love you Ryan
    Prayers for the Craft family and Lizzie and friends.

    Reply
  2. More than a friend but a brother. The things we went through together. I’m going to miss you like crazy. You’ve been a big part of my life and always will be. You’re one of the best friends I’ve had. I’ll always remember to throw a cast out for you. Love you Ryan
    Prayers for the Craft family and Lizzie and friends.

    Reply
  3. My sincerest condolences, Ryan was a very kind young man, I went to school with him and I will keep him and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

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  4. My sincerest condolences, Ryan was a very kind young man, I went to school with him and I will keep him and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

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  5. My condolences go out to Ryan’s family and everyone who loved him. Ryan was truly a great man who everyone loved and I’ll never forget the memories we share as classmates and basketball players in middle school. He will truly be missed.

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  6. My condolences go out to Ryan’s family and everyone who loved him. Ryan was truly a great man who everyone loved and I’ll never forget the memories we share as classmates and basketball players in middle school. He will truly be missed.

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  7. My sincerest condolences to the Craft family and Lizzie. Ryan was one of my sons closest friends. I watched him grow into a fine young man. I am grateful I was able to see him recently.
    Continued prayers.

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  8. My sincerest condolences to the Craft family and Lizzie. Ryan was one of my sons closest friends. I watched him grow into a fine young man. I am grateful I was able to see him recently.
    Continued prayers.

    Reply
  9. Sending all my thoughts and prayers to the Craft family and Lizzie during this time. Ryan was a wonderful young man and will be extremely missed.

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  10. Sending all my thoughts and prayers to the Craft family and Lizzie during this time. Ryan was a wonderful young man and will be extremely missed.

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  11. Mike– I am so sorry for your loss. I will be thinking of you and your family constantly, praying for you in this time of unimaginable grief. Love to you my dear friend.

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  12. Mike– I am so sorry for your loss. I will be thinking of you and your family constantly, praying for you in this time of unimaginable grief. Love to you my dear friend.

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  13. Sweet Ryan, I called you my Grand Baby at work. I cared deeply for Ryan. Kind. intelligent, hard working, are just a few of his qualities. Ryan spoke to me often about Liz the love of his life.
    Ryan’s fiance, family, dogs and friends will miss him daily.
    I was fortunate to have him in my life for a short time. God Bless and hold you close Ryan.

    Reply
  14. Sweet Ryan, I called you my Grand Baby at work. I cared deeply for Ryan. Kind. intelligent, hard working, are just a few of his qualities. Ryan spoke to me often about Liz the love of his life.
    Ryan’s fiance, family, dogs and friends will miss him daily.
    I was fortunate to have him in my life for a short time. God Bless and hold you close Ryan.

    Reply
  15. There are no words to express how your heart must be breaking .
    I’m so sorry for your loss . You are in my thoughts and prayers .

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  16. There are no words to express how your heart must be breaking .
    I’m so sorry for your loss . You are in my thoughts and prayers .

    Reply
  17. My deepest sympathies to the Craft family and to Lizzy. There are no words that will make this terrible sadness less for you. Ryan was simply one of those people that put you at ease, liked a good conversation and had a smile that could light up the room. So glad my boys had you as their friend. God Bless you all.

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  18. My deepest sympathies to the Craft family and to Lizzy. There are no words that will make this terrible sadness less for you. Ryan was simply one of those people that put you at ease, liked a good conversation and had a smile that could light up the room. So glad my boys had you as their friend. God Bless you all.

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  19. Sending my thoughts and prayers out to the Craft family. Ryan will be truly missed by all those who knew him. I was never the closest with him but he left a lasting impression on me and i’ll never forget him. Great guy and great friend!

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  20. Sending my thoughts and prayers out to the Craft family. Ryan will be truly missed by all those who knew him. I was never the closest with him but he left a lasting impression on me and i’ll never forget him. Great guy and great friend!

    Reply
  21. I feel terrible for Ryan’s family, friends, and fiance.

    Ryan, we were never especially close and we never knew each other outside of Mehlville, but I did like you a lot as a person and I thought you were a pretty cool dude. Really wish we could have been closer friends and done things together outside of class. Having classes with you was great and it was nice getting to know you when we first met sophomore year in AP World History. It’s really sad to hear that you passed and it’s just heartbreaking to see yet another classmate of ours go so young so unexpectedly. I was really hoping we’d be able to meet up again at a high school reunion someday and I could hear about all the great things you’d done that I expected of you. You’ll be missed, my man. Best wishes to all your loved ones and I hope you all can have some peace.

    Reply
  22. I feel terrible for Ryan’s family, friends, and fiance.

    Ryan, we were never especially close and we never knew each other outside of Mehlville, but I did like you a lot as a person and I thought you were a pretty cool dude. Really wish we could have been closer friends and done things together outside of class. Having classes with you was great and it was nice getting to know you when we first met sophomore year in AP World History. It’s really sad to hear that you passed and it’s just heartbreaking to see yet another classmate of ours go so young so unexpectedly. I was really hoping we’d be able to meet up again at a high school reunion someday and I could hear about all the great things you’d done that I expected of you. You’ll be missed, my man. Best wishes to all your loved ones and I hope you all can have some peace.

    Reply
  23. My dear Debbie,
    I am at a loss for words!
    My heart is torn!
    You are always in my heart and prayers.
    You know if you ever need me I am here for you!
    Love

    Reply
  24. My dear Debbie,
    I am at a loss for words!
    My heart is torn!
    You are always in my heart and prayers.
    You know if you ever need me I am here for you!
    Love

    Reply
  25. For the last six years, Ryan has brought great joy to the Koeller family with Elizabeth at his side. It will not be the same without him, and our hearts are deeply saddened.

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  26. For the last six years, Ryan has brought great joy to the Koeller family with Elizabeth at his side. It will not be the same without him, and our hearts are deeply saddened.

    Reply
  27. Our sincere condolences on your families loss. We are thinking and praying for your family. Ryan sounds like a special young man and he will be deeply missed. Prayers from the Sizelove family.

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  28. Our sincere condolences on your families loss. We are thinking and praying for your family. Ryan sounds like a special young man and he will be deeply missed. Prayers from the Sizelove family.

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  29. Mike, Gary and I are in your prayers, there is nothing more painful than the loss of a son. He is watching over you now, and loving you

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  30. Mike, Gary and I are in your prayers, there is nothing more painful than the loss of a son. He is watching over you now, and loving you

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  31. Sincerest sympathies to all. I was Ryan’s preschool teacher. When I saw his name in this morning’s Post Dispatch my heart sank to the floor. What a handsome and funny guy he was at Holy Tots. He lit up the classroom. Everyone was his friend and he was everyone’s friend. I can even remember which chair he sat in and at which table. Praying God’s Peace, Jesus’s Love and the Holy Spirit’s Comfort will abide with you. Much love, Miss Mary
    Mary Winkelmann now Ludwig!

    Reply
  32. Sincerest sympathies to all. I was Ryan’s preschool teacher. When I saw his name in this morning’s Post Dispatch my heart sank to the floor. What a handsome and funny guy he was at Holy Tots. He lit up the classroom. Everyone was his friend and he was everyone’s friend. I can even remember which chair he sat in and at which table. Praying God’s Peace, Jesus’s Love and the Holy Spirit’s Comfort will abide with you. Much love, Miss Mary
    Mary Winkelmann now Ludwig!

    Reply
  33. Mike and family,words are not enough to say how sorry we are for your loss of Ryan. Think of all the happy times you had with him. Mac enjoyed watching him play basketball. You will be with him in your next life. God needed a special Angel for a special someone! Prayers and our love go out to your family.

    Reply
  34. Mike and family,words are not enough to say how sorry we are for your loss of Ryan. Think of all the happy times you had with him. Mac enjoyed watching him play basketball. You will be with him in your next life. God needed a special Angel for a special someone! Prayers and our love go out to your family.

    Reply
  35. To a sweet boy whom we shall miss at
    bbq’s,,parties,graduations, garage sales,
    And other Koeller gatherings,
    You have always been helpful and good
    Natured to us grandparents Thanks for loving our sweet granddaughter.
    I am sure you shall be reunited in heaven.

    Reply
  36. To a sweet boy whom we shall miss at
    bbq’s,,parties,graduations, garage sales,
    And other Koeller gatherings,
    You have always been helpful and good
    Natured to us grandparents Thanks for loving our sweet granddaughter.
    I am sure you shall be reunited in heaven.

    Reply
  37. I helped train Ryan at work, and, though I only knew him a week or two, his love for his family, girlfriend, friends, and strangers was abundant and amazing. He was one of the nicest, funniest, trustworthy, and hardest working people. My deepest apologies for your loss. May the Lord watch over you and send you love and healing during this time.

    Reply
  38. I helped train Ryan at work, and, though I only knew him a week or two, his love for his family, girlfriend, friends, and strangers was abundant and amazing. He was one of the nicest, funniest, trustworthy, and hardest working people. My deepest apologies for your loss. May the Lord watch over you and send you love and healing during this time.

    Reply
  39. Ryan was the nicest person I have ever met. I worked at Dierbergs for about 6 months with him until he put in his two weeks to go to a higher paying job. I helped to train him during his time with us. He was the sweetest boy ever and was always willing to help others. He has made such a positive impact on my life. He mentioned that he was going back to school this fall after taking a break. He also mentioned his amazing fiancée frequently to us. I was so saddened when I saw the Facebook post about the accident. My stomach dropped when his name was on the report. My deepest condolences to his fiancée, family, friends, and dogs. Sending lots of prayers and love. May God give you all comfort in this difficult time.

    Reply
  40. Ryan was the nicest person I have ever met. I worked at Dierbergs for about 6 months with him until he put in his two weeks to go to a higher paying job. I helped to train him during his time with us. He was the sweetest boy ever and was always willing to help others. He has made such a positive impact on my life. He mentioned that he was going back to school this fall after taking a break. He also mentioned his amazing fiancée frequently to us. I was so saddened when I saw the Facebook post about the accident. My stomach dropped when his name was on the report. My deepest condolences to his fiancée, family, friends, and dogs. Sending lots of prayers and love. May God give you all comfort in this difficult time.

    Reply
  41. To the Craft Family-my deepest sympathies are extended to all of you in the loss of Ryan. I pray God will hold you and provide comfort and peace to all of you during this time of sorrow. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

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  42. To the Craft Family-my deepest sympathies are extended to all of you in the loss of Ryan. I pray God will hold you and provide comfort and peace to all of you during this time of sorrow. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

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  43. Prayers to all of your families.You were very much part of our family..Your smile will be missed.Great memories have been made over the six years you and Lizzy were together..You will always be remembered fondly.

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  44. Prayers to all of your families.You were very much part of our family..Your smile will be missed.Great memories have been made over the six years you and Lizzy were together..You will always be remembered fondly.

    Reply
  45. Debbie, Mike and Dave
    Ryan was kind, sweet, funny and he was such a sweetheart. He gladly let Dave’s friends treat him like their little brother. The Craft Family is in our prayers and we love you all.

    Reply
  46. Debbie, Mike and Dave
    Ryan was kind, sweet, funny and he was such a sweetheart. He gladly let Dave’s friends treat him like their little brother. The Craft Family is in our prayers and we love you all.

    Reply
  47. Dear Michael and family. There are not enough words to express my profound sadness for all of your family. I will put you all in my prayers. Sincerely Ginger Huff.

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  48. Dear Michael and family. There are not enough words to express my profound sadness for all of your family. I will put you all in my prayers. Sincerely Ginger Huff.

    Reply
  49. Debbie and family, my sincere condolences. I knew Ryan in grade school and he was the most polite, conscientious, sweet, and overall nicest young man. He was good to my son and I was shocked when I heard the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you..

    Reply
  50. Debbie and family, my sincere condolences. I knew Ryan in grade school and he was the most polite, conscientious, sweet, and overall nicest young man. He was good to my son and I was shocked when I heard the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you..

    Reply
  51. Our deepest condolences to the Craft family. May God provide comfort during this difficult time.

    Shawn Fewell and Pramila Gardner

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  52. Our deepest condolences to the Craft family. May God provide comfort during this difficult time.

    Shawn Fewell and Pramila Gardner

    Reply
  53. The Craft family,
    Y’all have been a second family to me my whole life. I love you so much and it is heartbreaking to hear this news about Ryan. He has always been a brother and a great example in my life. Jesus is taking really good care of him now and forever. Prayers and much love to you.

    Reply
  54. The Craft family,
    Y’all have been a second family to me my whole life. I love you so much and it is heartbreaking to hear this news about Ryan. He has always been a brother and a great example in my life. Jesus is taking really good care of him now and forever. Prayers and much love to you.

    Reply
  55. Ryan was so awesome and it sucks that his life was cut short. He leaves behind a loving family and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Craft family during these hard times. May God watch over you all.

    Reply
  56. Ryan was so awesome and it sucks that his life was cut short. He leaves behind a loving family and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Craft family during these hard times. May God watch over you all.

    Reply
  57. I remember Ryan as a kind and caring boy. During all the years I taught at Forder, he was the only student I knew who raised funds for cancer research by shaving his head for the St. Baldricks Foundation. I’m so sorry for your loss, and I am praying for you. God’s peace.

    Reply
  58. I remember Ryan as a kind and caring boy. During all the years I taught at Forder, he was the only student I knew who raised funds for cancer research by shaving his head for the St. Baldricks Foundation. I’m so sorry for your loss, and I am praying for you. God’s peace.

    Reply
  59. Mike, Family, and Friends…..my deepest condolences for the loss of Ryan. May your memories of him bring you comfort during this difficult time. “In every moment of every need, God is near, He sees, and He cares.” Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. God’s Blessings.

    Reply
  60. Mike, Family, and Friends…..my deepest condolences for the loss of Ryan. May your memories of him bring you comfort during this difficult time. “In every moment of every need, God is near, He sees, and He cares.” Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. God’s Blessings.

    Reply
  61. Dear Mike and family. All of our family sends prayers to you and your family to be blessed with good health and some sense of peace while you are dealing with the tragic loss of your son.
    We are so very sorry
    May God walk this journey with you

    Our sincere sympathy,

    Bob and Sharon Dierberg, Greg, Susan, and Brian Dierberg , Jeff and Laura Padousis

    Reply
  62. Dear Mike and family. All of our family sends prayers to you and your family to be blessed with good health and some sense of peace while you are dealing with the tragic loss of your son.
    We are so very sorry
    May God walk this journey with you

    Our sincere sympathy,

    Bob and Sharon Dierberg, Greg, Susan, and Brian Dierberg , Jeff and Laura Padousis

    Reply
  63. Debbie, I am so so sorry for your loss, I just couldn’t imagine. I’m praying for strength for you and your family. I have no words, rest in peace Ryan.

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  64. Debbie, I am so so sorry for your loss, I just couldn’t imagine. I’m praying for strength for you and your family. I have no words, rest in peace Ryan.

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  65. Mike and family, words can’t express the sadness we all feel in our hearts for the sudden loss of your son, Ryan. He must have been such a kind and caring young man. May the good Lord hold you tightly in the palms of his hands. Homan and Behr families.

    Reply
  66. Mike and family, words can’t express the sadness we all feel in our hearts for the sudden loss of your son, Ryan. He must have been such a kind and caring young man. May the good Lord hold you tightly in the palms of his hands. Homan and Behr families.

    Reply
  67. Ryan will be missed terribly. He was an amazing friend and person. He was one of my very first friends when I moved schools, he always showed me kindness when I needed it the most. The world will be duller without him around.

    My prayers to the Craft family, Lizzie, and all of Ryan’s friends

    Reply
  68. Ryan will be missed terribly. He was an amazing friend and person. He was one of my very first friends when I moved schools, he always showed me kindness when I needed it the most. The world will be duller without him around.

    My prayers to the Craft family, Lizzie, and all of Ryan’s friends

    Reply
  69. Mike and family,
    Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your son. Your hearts must be breaking. In reading his obit and all these condolences, I can see he was a remarkable young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    God bless Ryan.

    Kathleen and Rich Waidmann

    Reply
  70. Mike and family,
    Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your son. Your hearts must be breaking. In reading his obit and all these condolences, I can see he was a remarkable young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    God bless Ryan.

    Kathleen and Rich Waidmann

    Reply
  71. Mike and family,

    There are no words for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Sincerely,
    Terri and Jaclynn Rowell

    Reply
  72. Mike and family,

    There are no words for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Sincerely,
    Terri and Jaclynn Rowell

    Reply
  73. I had only just met Ryan recently at work. He made me feel very welcome with a warm smile and hello every time I saw him.
    The world won’t shine as bright without him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Reply
  74. I had only just met Ryan recently at work. He made me feel very welcome with a warm smile and hello every time I saw him.
    The world won’t shine as bright without him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Reply
  75. Our sympathy and prayers to you and your family. Thinking of you all!

    Sincerely,

    Tuepker Brothers Construction
    Bill & Michele, Bob & Gena Tuepker

    Reply
  76. Our sympathy and prayers to you and your family. Thinking of you all!

    Sincerely,

    Tuepker Brothers Construction
    Bill & Michele, Bob & Gena Tuepker

    Reply

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