CROFT, ELBERT RESTEEN - age 84, of Madisonville, passed away 10:15 P.M. Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at Blount Memorial Hospital.

Attended New Bethel Church of God. Veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy from Nov. 19, 1942 to April 12, 1946. Served on the USS Skegit (aka 105) in the European Theater and the USS Alcyone (aka 7) in the Pacific Theater. Medals received are Signalman, third class Victory medal, American Theater Medal, European African medal and Asiatic-Pacific Medal. Member of the Navel CB's from 1968-1986 receiving the National Defense Service Medal. While in Washington D.C., he served as the signalman in the movie "Gung Ho". Very active in the Senior Olympics and was the East Tennessee Outstanding Olympian in 1996. He was the recipient of many awards which he was very proud of. Hiking was his favorite thing to do.

Survivors, wife of 63 years, Jamilar Watson Croft; daughters, Edith Culvahouse, Marilynn Croft, both of Madisonville, Linda Whited, Sweetwater; sons and daughter-in-law, Harlass Norman (Buddy) Croft, Athens, Dannie K. & Ellen Croft, Knoxville; 14 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; brothers, James Joshua Croft, Jr., Madisonville, Clarence Croft, Maryville; several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by daughter, Yvonne Maxwell; grandson, Daniel Lynn Croft; parents, James Joshua and Minnie Ethel Newman Croft; sisters, Evelyn Ditmore, Ruby Jane Kile, Oramay Newburt, Rachell Croft and an infant sister, Elizaeth; brothers, Harrill, R.C. and Troy Croft.

Graveside service and interment 2:30 P.M. Friday, Haven Hill Memorial Gardens, Rev. David Watson officiating, with military honors provided by V.F.W. Post #5156 and D.A.V. #93. Family will receive friends 6-8 P.M. Thursday at Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville.