Samuel Eugene Kraft

Samuel Eugene “Sam” Kraft, 90, Emporia, Kansas, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 24, 2026 at Newman Regional Health, Emporia.

Sam was born in Gridley, Kansas on April 15, 1936, the son of Samuel Emanuel and Esther (Esslinger) Kraft. Sam and Carol Ann Nichols were married June 17, 1956 at Hamilton, Kansas. He married Mary Ann (Smith) Teichgraeber on December 11,1993 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sam and Mary Ann were married 32 years and she survives of the home. Sam is also survived by sons; Michael (Cindy) Kraft, Mark (Mary) Kraft, and Matthew (Maria) Kraft, all of Emporia, and Joseph (Nikki) Kraft, Garden City, Kansas, Step-daughters; Peggy (Dennis) Fort, Osage City, Kansas, Sally Teichgraeber, Houston, Texas, and April (Jon) Majewski, Brenham, Texas, six grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and nine step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by six brothers and sisters and a step-grandson.

He was a barber in Emporia, retiring in 2001 He also farmed until recent years. Sam was a long time referee for both basketball and football games in the area. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Emporia, the Lyon County Fair Board and the Jaycees.

In earlier years Sam played fast pitch softball for the Arrowhead Construction team. He loved fishing and hunting, especially watching his grandchildren, and passing on his love for them. Coon hunting, raising greyhounds and bird dogs were longtime interests.

Sam was well known and loved in the Emporia community. Part of being a local barber was knowing everyone, and sharing his humor. His later interests were mainly fishing and drinking coffee with family and friends.

At his request, Sam will be cremated. Memorial Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Emporia, on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. The family will receive friends at the church at 10:00 A.M. Private burial will be later in the Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Emporia.

Memorials have been established with Hand-In-Hand Hospice or the First United Methodist Church with contributions sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, PO Box #175, Emporia, Kansas 66801, which is in charge of arrangements.