Thursday, March 28, 2024

Charles M. Craig

Charles M. Craig, 85, a resident of rural Vienna, Illinois, passed away Wednesday evening, December 12, 2012, at 11:27 PM at the home of his daughter Charlene near Vienna.

Charles was born May 9, 1927 in Johnson County, IL. He was the son of Ted Craig and Sarah E. (Martin) Craig.

Charles was united in marriage to Mary Alice Campbell on August 19, 1949 in Jonesboro, IL. She preceded him in death on October 19, 2007.

Survivors include:
2 Sons- Charles Richard & Cathy Craig of Vienna, IL
John Arlen & Vicky Craig of Tunnel Hill, IL

3 Daughters: Belinda Alice & Gary Halvorsen of the Pond Community
Mary Charlene & John Raquet of Vienna, IL
Tammy Elaine & Neal Mahan of Marion, IL
10 Grandchildren
16 Great Grandchildren
A Brother – Paul Craig of Puyallup, WA
Nieces & Nephews
Cousins

In addition to his wife and parents Charles was preceded in death by:
2 Sons- Wesley Craig and Chesley Craig
A Grandson- Darren Johnson
2 Brothers- Marcus Craig and L.D. Craig
2 Sisters- Marie White and Shirley Schriefer

Charles was a World War II U.S. Army veteran. He served in the European Theater of Operation.

Charles began his working career with Smith Packing Company in St. Louis, Missouri. He then was employed By Keystone Steel in Pekin, Illinois. Later, Charles worked in the coal mines in Williamson County Illinois. He also worked at the stone quarry at Buncombe as well as at the Vienna Nursery.

Charles had a deep love of the land and was an avid outdoorsman. He operated a farm in the Tall Tree Lake community for many years. Charles enjoyed hunting and fishing. He spent many enjoyable Saturday evenings playing cards with his friends at Buncombe. Charles also enjoyed music and played the harmonica and guitar. He loved his family and especially cherished his grandchildren.

Charles had attended the Church of Christ. He was baptized on December 3, 2012 while a patient at the Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion.

Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon, December 15, 2012, at 2 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Brother Donald Campbell will officiate. Burial will be in the Simpson Cemetery near Buncombe. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post 5222 and the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail.

Visitation will be from 1 PM – 2 PM Saturday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.

Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Southern Illinois, 204 Halfway Road, Marion, IL 62959.