Bessemer - Norman Russell Cracraft, 94, of Bessemer passed away May 25, 2025.

Norman was born May 9, 1931, in Hillsville, Pennsylvania. He was the son of the late Norman and Frances (Penwell) Cracraft.

He and his wife, Violet, were members of Bessemer Presbyterian Church.

Norman was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 638 and SNPJ.

He was a deacon at the church.

Russell worked at Michigan Limestone Company for two years after graduating from Bessemer High School. He then enlisted in the Army, serving from 1952 to 1954. He served 18 months in Germany.

After his discharge from the Army, he went back to work at Michigan Limestone Company until it closed. He then worked for Bessemer Borough in Lawrence County. Norman went on to work for Mohawk schools as a custodian for 33 years, starting in 1960. He also worked at Bessemer Presbyterian Church as a custodian.

He was active in sports at Mohawk schools (including Bessemer High School before its consolidation) for years. Mohawk sports were his life. For 60 years, he ran down field markers at their football games; in the winter, he ran the scoreboard for their basketball games; and he umpired baseball games.

Norman enjoyed the company of the men he met with at Pizza Joe's at 11 a.m. every day (Pastor John, Gary, Jerry, Clifford, Bob and Jolley).

He is survived by his wife, Violet (Scott) Cracraft, of 74 years, whom he married Sept. 14, 1951; his son, David Cracraft (Donna); his daughter, Cheryl Frasso (Frank); grandchildren, Nicole Blanchard (Donnie), David Cracraft (Katie), Alicia Janacone (James), Angelica Shaffer (Robby); and seven great-grandchildren, Greyson, Jaxon, Carter, Cooper, Hannah, Illyana and Rayna (He dearly loved them all).

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Louise Cracraft, and her son, Michael, and wife, Nicole, and daughter, Johanna; brother-in-law, Paul Hawkins; stepsisters-in-law, Nancy Chairo and Anita Chairo; sister-in-law, Carol Jurich; uncle Glenn and Carol Penwell; many cousins, nieces and nephews; our friend, Betty Mehocic; and adopted grandchildren, Sam and Holly.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Donnie Lee Cracraft and Gene Cracraft; sisters, Rachael Cracraft Shuluga and her husband, Tom, and Dorothy Hawkins; stepmother, Catherine Cracraft; stepbrothers, John Chairo and Patsy Chairo; and his daughter-in-law, Kim Cracraft.

Visiting hours will be 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Terry Cunningham Funeral Home, 203 Oak St. in Bessemer. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Bessemer Presbyterian Church, 29 N. Main St. in Bessemer. Norman will be laid to rest in Bessemer Cemetery.

Anyone attending the funeral service, please go directly to the church Thursday.

In place of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Bessemer Presbyterian Church or the donor's favorite charity.

Online condolences can be given at keystonefuneralservices.com.