Folowing is the obituary of my grandfather, Thomas
Lee Craddick who died May 6, 1937 in Pana. I believe this was in the Pana News.
His son, Delmas was my Father. I'm hoping someone will have info on T.L.'s
parents, David and Texas Craddick, or any other information on this
family. Thank you. Sharon Craddick Scheeler
Thomas Lee Craddick, aged 70, for a number of years
proprietor of Lee's Waffle Shop, Commercial Alley, died suddenly at 10:00 a.m.
today at his home, 701 Railroad Avenue.
Mr. Craddick had been in failing health for several
months and had suffered several severe heart attacks and was under care of a
physician. He was planning to retire from business as soon as he could
sell out, since he was no longer able to do the work. Recently he had extra help
to assist him, but was at his place of business daily.
During the early morning, Mr. Craddick, who was an
expert chef, baked a number of pies at his home and delivered them to the
restaurant, planned the dinner to be served and transacted business at the First
National Bank and later motored home. He was stricken just as he approached the
doorway of his residence and died 5 minutes after he was carried to his bed by
neighbors summoned by Mrs. Craddick.
Decedent was a son of David and Texas Ann Flemming
Craddick, who preceded him in death. He was born at Tower Hill, January 2,
1867 and at death was 70 years, 4 months and 4 days of age. He was for
many years a locomotive engineer employed on the Baltimore and Ohio, formerly
the O. and M. railroad, between Shawneetown and Beardstown and was a member of
the American Brotherhood of Railway Engineers. He had resided in Pana
after retiring from railroading when quite young. He was also employed as
engineer at the city waterworks. During the last few years he operated Lee's
Waffle Shop.
He is survived by his wife, formerly Emma Kroniger,
and the following children: Lloyd Craddick of Alton, an engineer of the C.
& A.; Mrs. Katherine Metzger, Pana; Thomas Lee, Jr. Pana, a C & E.I.
train service employee, Donald and Delmas, both of Peoria. A son, Frederick is
deceased. He also leaves 2 grandchildren, Miss Emma Rose Craddick of Alton and
Frederick Craddick, Peoria. Brothers are: Earl Craddick, Pana; Bert Craddick,
Decatur; Solon Craddick, Whithaker CA; Coad Craddick, Sheldon WA. Mrs. Ethel
Cellen, Whithaker Ca is a sister.
Mr. Craddick was a member of the board of education
of the Pana Grade Schools and had served on the board 13 consecutive years. He
was very active in school work and chairman of Longfellow school committee. He
was an ex-alderman of the city and a member of the First Methodist
Church.
Funeral services are to be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday
at Kirkpatrick Funeral Home, Rev. O.E. Martin, Methodist minister, officiating.
Interment will be in Linwood Cemetery.
