Richard J. Croft

Richard J. Croft

Sept. 27, 1932 – Feb. 28, 2023

Richard J. Croft completed his life’s journey on Feb. 28, 2023. He was blessed to be at home under the attentive care of his beloved wife, Deana, during his final days.

Richard was born in Lovell on Sept. 27, 1932, to loving parents, Thomas Brown Croft and Elna Jones Croft.

Richard spent an idyllic childhood in Wyoming. Upon graduating from Lovell High School he attended the University of Wyoming followed by dental school at Northwestern University, graduating in 1958. He practiced dentistry for 60 years beginning at Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton, then in Arizona, until 2018.

In 1953 Richard married Helen Tebbs of Cowley. Together they had five children.

Richard’s life was filled with adventures and many interests, which he pursued with intensity. He was a dedicated Scout master. He loved boating, skiing, motorcycling, bird hunting, traveling and ballroom dance. When health limited his activities, he turned to baking.

His greatest passion, however, was his devoted wife, Deana, with whom he spent 35 years. They were married on Nov. 14, 2009. His stepsons Gerald C. Cheatham and Daniel C. (Debbie) Cheatham were family. Richard and Deana, together, have 24 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; sisters Jean (James) Anderson, Helen (Pete) Peters and Lynne (Bart) Lynn; and a stillborn son they named Richard T. Croft.

He is survived by his wife, Deana; children Kevin T. Croft, Corey (Brad) Walker, Scott T. (Lisa) Croft, Eric T. (Brittany) Croft, Daren T. Croft and Richard Jordan Croft; and sisters Mary (Rex) Kocherhans and Carol (Manfred) Nelson.

A funeral service was held March 11 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Scottsdale, Arizona. There was a viewing prior to the service. Burial was at the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix on March 13.

Funeral arrangements were made by Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary of Scottsdale.