Paul LeRoy Kraft, 77, died Sunday, June 28, 2009 at Kansas Soldiers Home in Ft. Dodge. He was born on November 26, 1931 on the family farm in rural Trego County, the of Jacob and Eva (Eichman) Kraft. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1951 - 1953 and in the reserves until 1959. He was a Corporal and earned the National Defense Medal. On May 28, 1955, he married Betty Fose at Ness City. She survives.

In 1966, they moved from Ness City to Jetmore where he worked as Manager at the Jetmore Coop Service Station, at the Feed Mill, and also delivered fuel. Then they later moved to Dodge City in 1982 where he worked as a custodian at the Presbyterian Church until his retirement. Paul raised dogs, loved riding motorcycles and enjoyed camping and fishing. Paul and Betty were Camp Hosts at the Cedar Bluff and Glen Elder Lakes for many years.

He was a member of the Lutheran Church in Trego County.

Paul is also survived by two daughters, Debbie Tasset and husband Tom of Spearville, and Cindy Klein and husband Jack of Dodge City; two sons, Tony Kraft of Dodge City, and Terry Kraft of Las Vegas, Nevada; one grandson, Kyle Klein of Colby; and one granddaughter, Aubrey Tasset; two brothers, Hubert Kraft of Ness City and Delvin Kraft of Ransom; and one sister, Helen Wagner of Ness City. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, two sisters, Betty Birzer and Darlene Cody; and two brothers, Herman Kraft and Reinhold Kraft.

Memorial service will be held at Swaim Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Vernon Bogart presiding. Inurnment will follow at Kansas Veterans Cemetery in Fort Dodge with Military Rites by Howard Gotschall Post #1714 V.F.W. Friends may sign the book from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City, Memorials can be made to Activity Bingo Fund for Halsey Hall at Ft. Dodge or to Hospice of the Prairie in care of the funeral home. Personal Condolences may be left at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.