Verle E. Crafton, 87, of Rowan, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 16, 2020 at Ewing Funeral Home, 111 Luick's Lane South in Belmond, with Pastor Nancy Hofmeister officiating. Burial will take place at Graceland Cemetery in Rowan. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 16, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Ewing Funeral Home, 111 Luick's Lane South in Belmond. Those in attendance will be asked to follow social distancing guidelines and encouraged to wear a face covering.  Verle Edward Crafton, the son of George and Lois (Steffens) Crafton, was born on January 23, 1933 in Rowan, Iowa.  He attended school in Rowan and graduated from the Rowan High School in 1951. During his senior year, Verle enlisted in the United States National Guard and respectfully served until 1971 when he retired as a Major.  He also worked for Maytag for over 30 years before opening his own small engine repair shop. He was united in marriage to Patricia Ketchum in 1952 at Rowan.  The couple bought his family farm where they raised their four children. Later they built their dream home on the land, and Verle contributed much of the labor. Family was very important to Verle.  He had a special bond with his grandparents, loved to pass on his knowledge and guidance to his children, and had special nicknames for everyone.  His favorite hobby was family genealogy.  He took many trips with family doing research and even made one to London, England.  He wrote and published a book, "The History of Horse Grove." He was a long time member of the school board serving as a past President. Verle enjoyed flying and had a private pilot's license, he also enjoyed snowmobiling. Verle is survived by his wife of 68 years, Pat Crafton of Rowan; his daughter DeAnn (Greg) Crafton of Rowan; daughters-in-law Jolene Crafton and JoAnn Crafton; four grandchildren Jennifer (Steve) Scott, Adam (Jennifer) Cross, Jason (Amber) Crafton and Matthew Crafton; brothers Donald (Shirley) Crafton, Harry (Faye) Hall, David (Joann) Hall; brother-in-law Gene Ketchum along with nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, three children, Randall, Barbara and James, and his sister Mary Ann Rogers. https://www.facebook.com/ewingfuneralhome/videos/803365917155484/