It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Percy Craddock, our beloved Dad and Papa. Percy passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at St. James Healthcare in Butte. Percy was born in Williamsburg on May 17, 1936, to Percy and Lucille Craddock. He had many cherished memories of growing up in the “burg,” but his favorite was spending time with his Grandpa and King, his grandpa’s favorite horse, at the ranch in Ramsay. Sneaking out with Grandpa at 6:30 A.M. and learning how to drive the wagon were some of his best stories of that time. He attended school at Webster-Garfield and graduated from Butte High School in 1954. Percy went on to earn his master’s degree in education from Western Montana College in Dillon.
On a freezing cold day (-47 degrees), January 12, 1963, Percy married Lois Carveth in Holy Savior Church. They were married for 55 years when Lois passed on July 7, 2018. The couple moved to Fort Ord where Percy was stationed in the Army. They explored the California coast and settled in Seaside, CA, on Monterey Bay. After his discharge, they moved back to Butte and started their family. Over the next seven years, they welcomed Lori, Lynn, and Mark into their lives.
Percy worked at Safeway and attended college in Dillon while serving as the produce manager for the East Park store. He later worked for School District #1 at Butte High School as the Woodshop teacher and started the school to work program in Butte. After retiring from the school district, he worked for RYO and got their carpentry program started. Percy was the VICA advisor and accompanied many of his students to national competitions. He was a founding member of the Montana Woodcarvers Association and volunteered his time teaching woodcarving at the Belmont Senior Citizen’s Center, where his students became his lifelong friends.
Percy had many hobbies and activities that he enjoyed, including woodcarving, playing cards, throwing horseshoes, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, “puttering” at Georgetown Lake and taking care of the horses. He was also a former high school hockey player and coached basketball and hockey for Mark’s teams.
Percy was preceded in death by his parents, Mother and Father-in-law Anne and Bill Carveth, grandson Jacob Craddock, sister and brother-in-law Lucille and Ray Russell, sister-in-law Dolores “Boots” McAuliffe, and niece Diane McAuliffe.
He is survived by his daughters and son-in-laws, Lori and Neil McConnaha, Lynn and Joe Morris, son Mark (Angela Souther) Craddock; grandchildren Bryan and Mallory McConnaha, Kevin and April McConnaha, Kelsey and Clint Pedersen, Josh McConnaha, Riley (Kaitlynne Tocher) McConnaha, Tyler and Katrina Morris, Ryan (Brittany Sears) Morris, Nick (Valeria Lago-Sosa) Morris, Kobi Craddock, Cameron Craddock, and Kait Craddock; great-grandchildren Maisyn, Jensen, and Deacon Morris; brother-in-law Don McAuliffe; and friend Jane Lewis.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of the Beehive Homes for their kind and compassionate care.
Memorial suggestions: Skills USA- c/o Denise Bordeleau Advisor, Butte High School, 401S. Wyoming, Butte, MT 59701 (Skills USA in check memo) or to the George Tierney Scholarship Fund, Butte High School, 401 S. Wyoming, Butte, MT 59701 or a charity of the donor’s choice.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Holy Cross Cemetery, 4700 Harrison Ave., Butte, MT, 59701. Following internment, a memorial service and reception will be held at the American Legion Silver Bow Post #1, 3201 Wynne Ave., Butte, MT, 59701.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Percy.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Percy and his family.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
10:00 a.m.
Thursday May 25, 2023
Holy Cross Cemetery
4700 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday May 25, 2023
American Legion Silver Bow Post #1
3201 Wynne St.
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
Following Service
Thursday May 25, 2023
American Legion Silver Bow Post #1
3201 Wynne St.
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
10:00 a.m.
Thursday May 25, 2023
Holy Cross Cemetery
4700 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday May 25, 2023
American Legion Silver Bow Post #1
3201 Wynne St.
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
Following Service
Thursday May 25, 2023
American Legion Silver Bow Post #1
3201 Wynne St.
Butte, MT 59701
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Dan Clague says
I’m sorry to hear of Mr. Craddock’s passing. Growing up on C Street across the street from the Craddock’s was a good thing for the Clagues. I left Butte early for the Navy but continued to know that Mr. Craddock a great man dedicated to many people including family, students and my mother who Mr. Craddock helped many times after our father passes. Know he made a huge difference in any people’s lives. Thank you. Dan Clague
Julie Henrich says
I am saddened to read about Percy’s passing. He was a wonderful man with many talents & great wisdom. I fondly remember working with him on the School to Work Program in the 90’s, & I have purchased some of his magnificent wood carvings. He will be sorely missed by many. My deepest sympathy to Lori & the entire Craddock family.
Julie Henrich
Jill Luebeck says
One of the best guys I ever had the privilege to know. He was always so kind and friendly. I am sorry about your father, Lynn, Lori, and Mark. I am so happy that I got to know him and always enjoyed running into him and visiting with him. Love and prayers to you all!!
Jill Luebeck
Casey Johnston says
I’m so very sorry to hear about Percy’s passing. I was in his carving class for 15 years and he was a such a great teacher, mentor and friend. Such a wonderful human being. The world would be a better place with more people like Percy. Sending love and prayers to his family.
Linda Piercy says
The passing of Percy is a great loss for your family and friends. There is no doubt that he also left Butte a better place to live in. He showed us how to be kind to each other and passed on his good work ethic to his kids. I wish you all comfort and peace in the coming days.
Julie Heard says
Percy and Lois were great friend of my moms (Claudia Clague) and our family. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
Susie Berger says
So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad Lori, your mom and dad were always so nice to me in buying popcorn and just talking to me in the stores.
Sincerely, Susie Berger
Dennis Hunt says
Sorry to hear about Percy. Love and prayers. Dennis,
Beth and family.
Rosemarie Clague Olney says
Mr. Craddock and Lois were wonderful friends to our family (Claudia and Harry Clague) when we lived across the street from them on C Street and after they moved. I remember Percy taking me to their Geirgetown Lake cabin many times and spending countless hours at their home. Percy was a great man and gave selflessly of himself. Lori, Lynn, Mark and family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers
Val says
I am so lucky to have gotten to spend some time with papa Perc. Such a talented artist and creator always willing to teach and share knowledge. Sending so much love to all that are grieving.
Mike Thatcher says
Prince of a man.Held Percy in high regards.He was the Vocational teacher at our RYO juvenile detention facility,located at Galen,Montana and had a tremendous impact on countless youths and staff.Kind,gentle,compassionate and so much more.I raise my class to Thank and honor Percy for a job well done and a life well lived.zThoughts,love and prayers to his family and many friends.God needed the works most talented,giving wood carvers and he got his man.Godspeed my friend!!
ronald v kindred says
Percy was my vica @ carpentry teacher 45 years ago. He was just one hell of a nice guy who helped a lot of kids @ people in general I am thankfull for MR. Craddock @ my friendship with him. My deepest @ heartfelt condolences to the family Percy was a kind person @ a gentleman always! I shall miss him