Dennis Eugene Crader

LEADINGTON - Dennis Eugene Crader, of Leadington passed away unexpectedly on January 17, 2015 at the age of 81 years. He was born June 2, 1933 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Bart Lee and Viola Elvira (Phillips) Crader. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Wendell Lee Crader in 1982; two sisters, Lorraine Biermann and Delores Parsons; and one brother Bart Lee Crader, Jr. Since the age of three Dennis had been a resident of the St. Francois County area. He attended school in Esther and went on to proudly serve his country in the U. S. Army during the Korean conflict. All of his adult life he was a professional carpenter and a member of the Carpenter's Union. He also worked for five years at the Potosi Correctional Center. In his retirement he enjoyed driving through the country and sightseeing. His family will remember him as being an intelligent person with a great memory. He will be fondly remembered for his keen sense of humor and his trademark nicknaming of everyone. Spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren was his favorite pastime. The family would like to express their gratitude to the Leadington Police Department and to the St. Francois County Ambulance District for all their help with "Dad". Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Irene Crader; his children, Dennis Crader, Jr. of San Francisco, CA, Sharon Merritt of Farmington, Kevin Crader of Rochester, NY and Alan (Susan Warren) Crader of Urbana, MO; five step-children, Venita (Dale Cheesebrough) Nelson of Park Hills, Donna McMurtry of Bonne Terre, Ralph Nelson of Festus, MO, Annette (Daren) Deener of Clark, MO and James Nelson of Springfield, MO; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and extended family. Also surviving is a special friend, Shelia Horton. Friends may call on Thursday, January 22 at Cozean Memorial Chapel from 5 - 8 p.m. Visitation will resume Friday morning beginning at 7 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. in the Cozean Chapel with Rev. Rob Hampton and Rev. Bryan Mills officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Francois Memorial Park in Bonne Terre. Memorials, if desired, may be made in the name of Dennis Crader to the American Cancer Society. View the tribute video, the online obituary and share your memories and condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com. Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Thursday, January 22, 2015 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Funeral Service

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Friday, January 23, 2015 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Interment Service

St. Francois Memorial Park

Friday, January 23, 2015 Bonne Terre, MO 63628 Directions Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Friday, January 23, 2015 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions