John E. Croft

John E. Croft ("The Ukulele Man"), 82, of Cambridge, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday (March 2, 2014). He was born November 21, 1931 in Wapakoneta, son of the late Russell L. and Helen Croft. Mr. Croft graduated from The Ohio State University in 1953, earning a BS degree in Agriculture. He worked at RCA of Findlay, Cambridge, and Hightstown NJ from 1958 to 1973. He also worked at Simonds Tool and Die in Newcomerstown from 1973 to 1993. He served as chairman of the Salt Fork Arts & Crafts for many years, retiring in 1999. He was also past president of The Ohio Arts & Craft Guild. Mr. Croft was a substitute teacher for the Cambridge City Schools for seventeen years, where he was affectionately known to the elementary students at "The Ukulele Man". He was a tutor of the Dyslexia Center of Southeastern Ohio for nearly eight years, as well as offering his time to tutor students on weekends. Along with his wife, he was instrumental in starting a local sign language group which is still active today. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Ann (Stoncheck) Croft, who died September 2006. They were married in 1952. Also deceased are two younger sisters, Suzanne "Sue" Mumford and Margaret "Peggy" Marshall. He is survived by two daughters, Leeanna (& Steve) Lowe of Cambridge and Carolyn Croft of Dresden; four grandchildren, Christopher (& Sara) Lowe of Westlake, Peter (& Michelle) Lowe of Dublin, Jennilyn (& Tim) Haer of Dublin, and Stephanie Wright of Belmont; and two great-granddaughters, Lucy Lowe and Ella Lowe. A celebration of life will be held Saturday (May 17, 2014) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, Cambridge. Please join the family in remembering the life of John Croft with music, stories, and joy. In addition to his family, the three areas of great importance to him were children, the arts, and animals. Therefore, if you wish to make a memorial contribution in his name, the following organizations are set up to receive donations on his behalf: 1) Cambridge City Schools, c/o John Croft Memorial Elementary Art & Music Programs, 6111 Fairdale Rd, Cambridge OH 43725; 2) The Dyslexia Center of Southeastern Ohio, 935 Wheeling Ave, Cambridge OH 43725; or 3) The Humane Society of Guernsey County, PO Box 422, Cambridge OH 43725.