Murl Nelson Craft, a longtime resident of Riverside, California, passed away on Monday, October 21, at the age of 94.

Son of Alonzo and Fannie Craft, he was born and raised in Magee, Mississippi, alongside five siblings (Velma, Gayther, Durwood, Letha Jean, and Donald). His father was a cabinet maker by trade. Both parents were hardworking farmers raising livestock, growing cotton and cultivating vegetables. This taught him at an early age the value of hard work and self-sufficiency. After graduating from high school, he attended Mississippi State University where he earned his master's degree in education.

In 1954 he married JoAnn Jones, who has been his loving and devoted wife for over 70 years. Prior to marrying, he joined the United States Air Force where he served as a radio technician. He spent the first year of their marriage overseas in Saudi Arabia and was later transferred to March Air Force Base in Riverside. After leaving the Air Force he accepted a teaching position in Salinas, California, where they lived for four years, however, they longed to return to sunny Riverside.

Murl eventually accepted a teaching position at Norte Vista High School in the Riverside Alvord School District. He was responsible for starting the Norte Vista agriculture program where he taught animal science and horticulture. He was the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and Parliamentary Procedure advisor from its inception. His students received numerous awards and accolades. Some students were inspired to become agriculture teachers themselves. He retired from teaching in 1994.

Murl and JoAnn had four daughters, Patti Wake (Ed), Deborah Biedebach, Dianne Fleener (Allen), and Carole Paul; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Murl will be remembered for his love of family, hard work ethic, commitment to education and generous spirit.

Private services will be held. Memorial donations may be made to: Murl Craft Scholarship, Alvord Unified School District, 9 KPC Parkway, Corona, CA 92879, c/o Fiscal Services. Checks should be made out to "Murl Craft Scholarship".