David Clarence Kraatz

David Clarence Kraatz, Sr. , of Abilene, died Monday, May 12, 2008 at the age of 75. Funeral services, with Brother Rick Hargrove officiating, will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2008 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Burial will follow in the Tye Cemetery. The family receives friends during a visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. David was born November 14, 1932 in Winters, Texas to John and Minnie (Pruser) Kraatz. He grew up in Winters and graduated from Winters High School. After high school, David joined the United States Army where he served in the Korean War. He was a Boy Scout Master for several years. He married Marcia Lue West in Tuscola on July 12, 2006. David was a self employed tractor mechanic. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Abilene. David was preceded in death by his parents, John and Minnie Kraatz, his first wife, Sue Kraatz, and one granddaughter, Ashley Kraatz. He is survived by his wife, Lue Kraatz, of Tuscola; two sons, David Kraatz, Jr., of Abilene, Thomas Kraatz and his wife Zina, of Atlanta, Georgia; two daughters, Susan Thomas and her husband, Aubrey, of Tuscola, Chirre Keckler and her husband Dennis, of Questa, New Mexico; grandchildren: Amanda and Justin Mack; Chris and Melinda Bergeron; Scotty and Jane Bergeron; Eric Bergeron; Cody, Brandon, Shanna, Jeramey and Meradith Kraatz; Steven and Tyler Keckler; Trey and Andrew Thomas; Thomas Hornsby; Bethany and Emiley Osbirn; four brothers, three sisters, and seven great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made in honor of David Kraatz, Sr. to the donor's favorite charity.