John D. Crafts

LISBON FALLS – John David Crafts, 92, of Lisbon Falls, passed away Thursday evening, Dec. 4, 2025, at his home with family at his side.

He was born in Auburn, May 10, 1933, the third of six children to Don M. and Leta Mae Card Crafts. He attended Cedar Pond School Durham and two years at Lisbon High School. On July 3, 1952, he married the love of his life, Madelyn Helen Thayer of Bath. They lived in Durham briefly and then settled in Lisbon Falls for the rest of their lives where they worked and raised their five children. They celebrated 61 years of marriage until her passing Aug. 29, 2013. Later, John married Marie Garnett on Jan. 28, 2018, enjoying two years together until her passing.

John sold his first car at age 12, a 1927 Buick. Then at age 18, in 1951, John started his business, John D Crafts Inc./Crafts Cars, where it is still located and family owned today. Over the years he started several other businesses selling: Moto Ski, Skiroule and Larson snowmobiles, VIP Boats, Allegro Motorhomes. Mobility Plus was created to give paralytics the freedom of driving independently. In 1956, he was the youngest in New England to have a Ford dealership, and in 1967 an American Motors dealership. He earned awards and trips for sales success. In 1982 Crafts Transport Inc. was formed and grew to a fleet of 19 car carriers, transporting 28k-plus cars a year.

John’s hard-working nature, combined with his curiosity, ingenuity, and fearlessness opened the doors for him to experience and accomplish many things. He was known for his incredible physical strength, integrity, honesty, generosity, and good nature. Most importantly, John was known for his deep faith is his Savior, Jesus Christ. He shared his story of accepting Christ as young boy and giving out gospel tracks to any who would listen. He took joy in delivering Daily Bread devotionals to many. He was a prayer warrior with many on his prayer list. He was active in Lisbon Falls Baptist Church, growing in faith, serving as a deacon and Deacon Emeritus.

John and Madelyn generously shared time with many at their cottage, “Bumpy’s Island”. John, aka “Bumpy” and “Johnny D”, loved to stay busy maintaining and improving the cottage. It was a special place for him to share the gospel. The family, especially the 17 grandchildren, have countless memories created there with “Nanny & Bumpy”. Boating was a part of their lives many years, including Johns adventures where he twice caught tuna.

Other things John was known for: his monkey impersonation, how he “customized” just about everything making it just a little bit better, generously letting his grandkids use his tools and things, honoring a “day of rest” each Sunday, reminding you to ask God for His wisdom, always praying with you on your birthday, and encouraging others about supplements and eating healthy. He believed in trying take care of the body naturally, according to biblical guidance. He desired for you to experience the good health he had. Up until the moment the Lord called him home John had purpose to live, to share his faith, to pray, and to be an encouragement. That ALL came from his love of his Heavenly Father. His prayers will be dearly missed.

John is survived by his five children, David and wife, Cheryl, Sue, Randy and wife Karen, Dale, Beth and husband Gordon Bell; 17 Grandchildren, Jennifer Caldwell (Chris), Shannon Storm (Mike), Jay Crafts (Stacy), Heidi Whisman, Jan Arsenault, Luke Arsenault (Jessica), Bridget Burkhardt (Jeff), Katie Boyd (Scott), Ashley Grenier (Darryl), Bobbi-Lee Jeselskis (Randy), Kellianne Jones (Joe), Emily Crafts-Little, John Crafts (Kearsten), Dale Crafts (Veronica), Clayton Crafts, Jeffrey Haggerty (Nicole), Annalise Robichaud (Cam); 46 great-grandchildren: Kyle, Courtney, Elizabeth, Kadin, Nathan, Delaney, Connor, Parker, Griffen, Chase, Lilly, Zoe, Kloey, Hank, Hunter, Elle, Adeline, Sawyer, Avery, Gavin, Emma, Anniston, Calvin, Grant, Brody, Leighton, Revenna, Colby, Aiden, Elias, Charlotte, Freyja, Jude, Indigo, Ava, Eden, Israel, Abram, Mira, Isaiah, Olivia, Jonathan, Jackson, Beau, Roman and Holland; six great-great Grandchildren: Kimberly, Kollyn, Aubrey, Sophia, Oliver and Callen.

Also predeceased by: parents, siblings: Loanne, Justin, Chauncey, Emily, Paul and their spouses, many sisters/brothers in law, Cory Whisman, Rufus Ham, a lifelong friend and beloved dog Benji.

Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is in the Lord.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 1 – 4 p.m., at Lisbon Falls Baptist Church, located at 555 Lisbon St., Lisbon.

A funeral service and social gathering will take place at the same venue on December 21, 2025, at 2 p.m.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences, and fond memories with the Crafts family by visiting, http://www.crosmanfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Lisbon Falls Christian Academy “John Crafts Memorial Fund” can be made. Mailing address: 555 Lisbon St Lisbon Falls ME 04252 “Crafts Memorial” in Memo.