Life began for Ralph Eugene Haycraft in Grayson County, Kentucky on June 13, 1933, born one of twelve children to the home of the late George Haycraft and Vonna Ford Haycraft. After a long battle to stay with those he loved he went home to be with the Lord at the Norton Health Care Pavilion in Louisville, with his family surrounding his bed and showing him much love, August 14, 2017 and his days with us were 84 years, 2 months and l day.

Eugene was united in marriage to Rachel Nadine Sanders on Feb. 9, 1962 and together they walked hand in hand, heart and heart for over 55 years until God parted them. To the home of Eugene and Rachel Haycraft, four children were born. He is survived today by his wife, Rachel Haycaft of Anneta, two daughters, Norma Brown and her husband, Brent of Anneta and Annette Geary and her husband, Dale of Clarkson, two sons, Ralph Haycraft, Jr. and his wife, Darlene of Leitchfield and Tracy Haycraft and his wife, Amy of Bee Spring. He is further survived by 12 grandchilden, Alison, Russ, Michael, Tristan, Tyler, Amberly, Kristen, Christopher, Nathan, Lance, Trent and Ryan and 11 great-grandchildren. Also surviving him are two sisters, Dee Matthews and her husband, Denny and Betty Railey of Louisville, two brothers, Bill Haycraft and his wife, Nathel and Glen Haycraft and his wife, Louise all of Anneta. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Rudell Scott and Edith Elzey and five brothers, Carl, Russell, John, Bert and Herman Haycraft.

Eugene answered the call to duty and served his county in the U.S. Army Rangers from Oct. 1953 till Oct. 1955. The most important thing that ever happened to Eugene was when he attended a revival meeting being held by the late Brothers Willard Saltsman, Charles Deweese and Bob Vincent at Anneta Church. There are many dates in ones life which hold a great meaning, but the only date that matters when we come down to the end of our life is the day we find the Lord. On Feb. 22, 1969 as a thirty-five year old man, Eugene was born again by the grace of God. He was baptized into the fellowship of Anneta United Baptist Church on April 6, 1969 and ordained to the work of a deacon on Nov. 8, 1970 by his church. Eugene remained a faithful member of Anneta United Baptist Church till death.

The last few weeks of Eugene's life were not quality days, as his family stood by watching him slowly leaving them. When the Lord saw he had suffered enough, he called him away into a perfect rest, awaiting that great Resurrection morning when the dead in Christ will rise first. That is why on Feb. 22, 1969, when his name was registered in the Book of Life, that he will be one of the first to come forth. He left behind a great legacy for his family and friends and while his presence will be no more, the memories he left will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him best. Let these words give you comfort in the days ahead.

"God saw you were getting tired and your stay was not to be. He put his arms around you and whispered, Come Home to Me. With tear filled eyes we watched you fade, Although we loved you deeply we knew that you could not stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest, our hearts were broken but it was God's way of saying, "HE ONLY TAKES THE BEST"

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, (August 18, 2017) at the Anneta United Baptist Church. Bro. Denny Matthews and Bro. Kenny Decker will be officiating. Burial will be in the Anneta Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the Dermitt Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday and at the church from 9:00 a.m. Friday until time of services.