Clarence "Bud" Crafton III

Clarence "Bud" Crafton, 84, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away on April 26, 2026, at St. Anthony's Hospice, surrounded by his loving family.

Bud was born and raised in Henderson, Kentucky, to Cooksey and Dorothy Crafton. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Dorothy Francis Stone.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Helen Carman Crafton; three sons, all of Henderson-Chip (Tammy), Scott (Cassie), and Brian (Malissa); eight cherished grandchildren, Carlee (Alec), Carson, Reese (Noah), Camille, Ann-Talbot, Faurest, Fenix, and Cooksey; and one great-grandchild, Gabe.

Bud was both a gifted athlete and a dedicated scholar. He attended Henderson City High School, where he was a four-sport varsity letterman and graduated third in his class. He went on to attend Murray State University on a football scholarship, where he served as co-captain of the football team, was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting while consistently making the Dean's List.

Throughout his professional career, Bud built a reputation as a trusted and respected Certified Public Accountant. He was admired for his strong work ethic, sincerity, and genuine desire to help others-especially those in need. Raised in a farming family, he carried with him a lifelong appreciation for hard work and community.

Bud was a proud member of Zion Baptist Church, the Elks, and the Kentucky Society of CPAs. An avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman, he found great joy in time spent on the water, in the woods, and enjoying the outdoors.

Above all, Bud was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His kindness, laughter, and sense of humor will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

A celebration of Bud's life will be held at Zion Baptist Church.

The service will be at 11:00 a.m. on May 2, 2026. Visitation will be held at the church on May 1 from 4:30-7:00 p.m., and again on May 2 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Pallbearers will be Chip Crafton, Scott Crafton, Brian Crafton, Carson Crafton, Faurest Crafton, and Greg Poole.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony's Hospice or Zion Baptist Church.