Dr. Kenneth Craycraft

Dr. Kenneth Roger Craycraft, 75, passed peacefully from this life on October 7, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. A proud fourth generation Texan, he was born on December 15, 1949, in Henderson, Texas, to the late Ben and Geneva (Gibson) Craycraft. He was raised in Mount Enterprise, Texas, graduating as Salutatorian from Mount Enterprise High School. From an early age, he inherited a deep love of learning — a heritage he shared with his mother, Geneva, and his maternal grandfather, both of whom dedicated their lives to education. At the same time, he learned the value of hard work and humility from his father, Ben, working alongside him in raising cattle and managing livestock. Together, those influences — to serve, to teach, and to labor — shaped a life rooted in service to others. Dr. Craycraft earned his Bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University, where he worked as a prison guard at the Huntsville State Penitentiary to pay his way through college — a testament to his determination and work ethic. He later received his Master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and his Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from Indiana University. Following his education, Dr. Craycraft began his academic career as an assistant professor at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. It was there that he met his future wife and lifelong partner, Dr. Sally (Johnson) Craycraft. He later returned to Sam Houston State University as an associate professor, earning tenure and eventually serving in several administrative roles before joining the Texas State University System as its first Chief Academic Officer. For over a decade, he oversaw curriculum and programs across the system’s member institutions, representing more than 72,000 students. During this time, he also served as Chancellor and acted as liaison to government agencies, collaborating closely with members of the Texas Legislature and the Texas congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. Following his long and distinguished career in higher education, Dr. Craycraft continued to contribute his expertise as Executive Vice President and Senior Adviser at a privately held education technology company. He also served as president of several state and national professional organizations, worked as a consultant to the U.S. Department of Education, and dedicated time to several non-profit organizations. Throughout their 41 years of marriage, Dr. Kenneth and Dr. Sally Craycraft made their homes in Huntsville, Georgetown, and finally Frisco, Texas. He was a devoted member of Stonebriar Community Church, where he joyfully served as an usher for many years. Dr. Craycraft will always be remembered for his unwavering integrity, his dedication to serving others, and his deep love for his family, faith, and community. In addition to his parents, Dr. Craycraft was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dr. Sally Craycraft. Survivors include his son, Chad Craycraft and wife Krystle of Dallas; sisters, Deidra Rivers and husband Barry of Henderson, Texas, and Benita Tabch and husband Moni of Mount Enterprise, Texas; brothers-in-law, Kurt Johnson and wife Lori of Millbury, Ohio, Scott Johnson and wife Michelle of Walbridge, Ohio, Rob Johnson and wife Michele of Cincinnati, Ohio; and sister-in-law, Debra Denman and husband Pat of Toledo, Ohio. He was also deeply loved by their children and grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Chad Craycraft, Joe Brannen, Ray Craycraft, Paul Craycraft, Chris Rivers, and Jackie Risinger. Funeral services for Dr. Kenneth Roger Craycraft will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, October 13, 2025, in the chapel of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home, with Barry Rivers officiating. Interment will follow at King Cemetery in Mount Enterprise under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM until service time on Monday at the funeral home. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Dr. Kenneth Craycraft

December 15, 1949 - October 7, 2025