Kenneth Arnold Kraft

Kenneth Arnold Kraft, a Ponchatoula native and lovingly known as our “Pawpaw,” passed away at the age of 92, surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, hard work, and unforgettable stories.

In 1960 he married the love of his life, Lillie, with whom he created a beautiful life rooted in love, commitment, and family. Together, they welcomed four boys, and they built a home filled with laughter, tradition, and values that will live on for generations. He is survived by two sons, Kenny Thomas Kraft and wife Sheri and Craig Anthony Kraft and wife Dinea. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren Keaton (Shaunte), Tristan (Matt), Kaylie (Adrian), Phillip (Katie), Kaleb (Lauren), Ciara (Ryan), Kolby (Natalie), Karlee and Destine (Jeremy) and twelve great-grandchildren-each of whom he adored beyond measure. He is also survived by his sister, Evelyn Richard, and brother, Valley “Butch” Kraft and wife Andie, and daughter-in-law, Karen Kraft.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Lillie Mae “Lily”, and two sons David Arnold Kraft “Skinny” and Phillip Dirk Kraft “DD”. He is also preceded in death by both his parents, Louanna and Valley “Cotton” Kraft and mother and father in law, Josephine and Phillip Bay Nuccio. He is also preceded in death by his brothers Larry "Jo Jo" and Tommy “PeeWee” Kraft.

A man of deep and unwavering faith, Kenneth was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. His faith guided him throughout his life, and he never missed Sunday Mass-whether attending in person or watching faithfully on television. His devotion was quiet, steady, and constant, just like the way he lived his life.

One of five children, Kenneth learned early the value of resilience and determination-traits that defined him throughout his life. At just 18 years old, he proudly joined the United States Navy. During the four years he was stationed in San Diego, he sailed to Hawaii, Korea, and Japan as an active duty sailor. He continued his service as a reservist for four additional years. His service was a source of lifelong pride, and he often said those were the best four years of his life.

After his time in the Navy, he worked faithfully at Shell Chemical for 36 years until his retirement in 1994. Retirement, however, never slowed him down. He continued his life long friendships with his work buddies, staying in contact and often getting together. He traveled far and wide across the United States with his wife, hunted deer in the Maurepas swamps and in Mississippi with his sons, but especially cherished the time hunting in South Texas. He also proudly tended to his very large garden growing the best vegetables around and stayed active well into later life. He rode his four-wheeler and biked eight miles daily, just because he could.

He had a deep love for Western movies, Fox News, The Young and the Restless, and could out-forecast the Weather Channel on any given day. A man of strong opinions and strong roots, he was famously stubborn-his German heritage shining through-and could argue with a brick wall… and usually win. Most nights ended the same way: with a bowl of Blue Bell ice cream in his recliner.

His best friend and constant companion, his loyal dog Whiskers, who rarely left his side. He enjoyed spending every morning and afternoon with him out in the field and always with him on his lap for their mid-day nap.

Though he lived a simple, routine life, he was rich in hard love, wisdom, and stories-stories his family will carry forward, be told and retold with laughter and pride. Kenneth will be remembered for his strength, his devotion to family, and the steady, unwavering love he gave so freely.

His life was well lived, and he will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you donate to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Family and friends will be received in the original sanctuary at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 255 North 8th Street, Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454 on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 10:00 am until the Funeral Mass begins at 11:00 am.

Interment will follow at Wetmore Cemetery in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula. An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.