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Dean R. Crafton

Dean R. Crafton, 82, Sun City, Arizona, passed away April 2, 2019.

He was born June 21, 1936, to Opal Weeks.  As a youngster, growing up in West Plains, Missouri, Dean joined Scout Troop 61.  As a member of the Troop, he earned his Eagle Scout badge and worked five summers on the staff of Arrowhead Boy Scout Camp located near Marshfield, Missouri.  Following his high school graduation, West Plains High School Class of 1954, Dean served two years in the US Army, stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany.  Following his military service, he enrolled in Missouri Valley College, Marshall, Missouri.  Upon graduation, Dean began a 35 year career with the Boy Scouts of America.  His first job was with the Los Angeles Area Council as a field executive.  He worked for the Los Angeles office for nine years and was promoted to Director of Field Service at the Orange County Council, Santa Ana, California, supervising 35 professional Scouters.  After nine years, Dean was selected as Scout Executive of the Monterey Bay Area Council of the central coast of California.  After 14 years Dean was promoted to the National Council servicing as an Area Director for Boy Scout offices in Iowa, Nebraska and Western Illinois.  After three years he retired to Sun City, Arizona.  He and his wife Sharie became avid travelers.  They traveled throughout most of the European capitals on coach tours, including the Baltic States and Russia, as well as Australia, New Zealand and the Fiji Islands.  They also enjoyed 2-4 week ocean cruises touring Alaska, the South Pacific, South America, Panama Canal, US East coast, Iceland and Greenland.  They also spent 24 years with their various 5th Wheel trailers, touring most of the US and Canada, including Alaska and the Arctic Circle of Canada.  At high school reunions, Dean told his classmates he planned on becoming a non-taxpaying citizen of West Plains.

He leaves behind his wife, Sharie and his son, Darin (Machelle).

In keeping with his wishes, Dean will be interred at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Eagle Scout Association, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.robertsondrago.com.