Richard LaDuke Kraft

Richard LaDuke Kraft, 100, of New Albany, Indiana, passed away on Friday, July 5, 2024 at The Villages of Historic Silvercrest. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard Conrad and Pauline (LaDuke) Kraft; his first wife, Eleanor (McCutchan) Kraft; his second wife, Helen (Herbst) Kraft; and his sister, Helen (Kraft) Harris.

He is survived by his daughters, Martha (Mark) Truman and Charla (Dr. Carlos) Perez; his grandchildren, Dr. Alex (Kendall) Perez, Nicholas Perez, Evan (Julia) Truman, and Philip (Kathryn) Truman; and his great-grandchildren, Eleanor, Danica, Evangeline, Fiona, and Iris; and several nieces and nephews.

Richard was a native of New Albany. Upon graduation from New Albany High School in 1942, he enlisted in the Navy to serve his country during WWII and later, the Korean Conflict. Shortly after enlisting, his commanding officer recommended Richard for the radar training program. He received his training to become a Radarman in Virginia Beach, VA which at the time was very top-secret. His tour of duty included Africa and Europe, including the D-Day invasion, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

Richard retired from ICI Americas, Inc., which was formerly the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant, in 1993 where he was employed as a security guard. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, wildlife photography, golf, and traveling. He lived a full and blessed life.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, July 12, 2024 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions - New Albany, (3309 Ballard Lane). His Funeral Service will be at 1:00 pm on Friday, at the funeral home with burial and military honors to follow at Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park.

The family wishes to extend thanks to the many staff members of the Villages of Historic Silvercrest over the years with Richard as he transitioned from independent living to assisted living. A special thank you to St. Croix Hospice’s nurses, Cindy, Toni, and Randi, who walked the journey with Richard.

Due to Richard’s love for wild bird photography the family is asking for expressions of sympathy to be made to Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky, Inc. (P.O. Box 206186, Louisville, KY 40250).

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