John Charles Croft Jr.

John C. Croft Jr., 81, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. John started his own excavating business at the age of 16 and never worked a day in his life.  “When you do what you love, it is never a job”. When John was twenty-three his father told him to buy a nice car to catch the eye of a good woman. Being the obedient son, he bought a “Rambler American” and went to a dance at the Y.M.C.A. where he met his wife, Ida. Their marriage lasted 57 years, but the Rambler is long gone. John lived the dash between the dates of his birth and death with  kindness and generosity. He loved his family and friends with his whole heart. John and Ida loved to travel and saw most of the United States with their children. In their travels he never met a person that stayed a stranger for very long. John could tell you the history of Barberton and the surrounding area, where he was happy to live. If you wanted to learn the history of John Deere and the John Deere Co. he could have been a professor. John’s business became a family business when his son, Charlie turned five years old and could run a backhoe. They have worked together since that time. His daughter, Amy could drive a truck like her dad and his grandson, Mason brought him up to date with technology. John left his mark on this area with his work installing septics, water lines, basements and ornamental railings built by John, his father and brother. John will be missed and always remembered. "Dig those holes through the clouds Johnny, so we will have the sun to warm our hearts until we see you again". With everlasting love, Ida (wife); Charlie (son); Mason Eagle (grandson); Sally (Bill) Fosnight (sister) and Richard “Rich” (brother); along with his multitude of family and many many friends. He has joined his two daughters, Karen and Amy. John’s family will receive friends and family on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Campfield-Hickman-Collier Funeral Home, 566 W. Park Ave., Barberton 44203. His memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 13th at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Barberton, 254 6th Street, N.W., Barberton 44203 with Pastor Mike Prebynski officiating. Inurnment to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to, First Baptist Church of Barberton.

His online guestbook and Video-Gift tribute may be viewed at www.Campfield-Hickman-Collier.com.

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