Howard Craig of Kinsley, passed away at his home with his family, Jan. 14, 2021 at the age of 84.
He was born in Murdo, S.D., March 5, 1936, the son of Sanford and Jenny (Styles) Craig. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Sanford JR and Darold Craig.
Howard is survived by his wife, Evalina (Delander) Craig, three children, Sheryl Hutcherson, Sandia Park, N.M., son, Merle Craig, Towanda, and Darla (Keith) Van Doren, St. John, Kan. Eight grandchildren, Amanda Craig, (Chris Spurgeon), Wichita, Seth Craig, Wichita, Lauren Sandoval (Adam), Sandia Park, N.M., Callie duPlessis, Mesa, Ariz., Joelle duPlessis, San Francisco, Calif., Jesse Long, (Skye), Offerle, Kyle Van Doren,(Suzette) St John, Kan., Kimberly Lott (James), Alva, Okla. Five great-grand children, and three nieces and one nephew.
Howard joined the Navy in 1954 and spent most of his time in Newfoundland. He was a member of the crash crew saving lives when a plane crashed or landed in the ocean, in addition to fueling planes. He was discharged in 1958 and then married Evalina Delander in Kinsley. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping.
He was a member of the Garfield Methodist Church, Garfield, Kan., Over 50's Club of Garfield and past treasurer of Kinsley township.
Howard spent most of his life farming along with working in construction as well as a machinist at Cessna in Hutchinson. He worked full time and farmed in the evenings and weekends. His great loves were his cattle and his dogs, playing cards with his friends and spending time with his grandchildren. Howard will be remembered as a quiet hard-working man who loved his family. He had a quick wit with a dry sense of humor and will be missed terribly.
Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, is in charge of arrangements. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life ceremony will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be given to the Garfield Methodist Church in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.
Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.