CRAIG, Merle Dean - b. December 25, 1950 - d. April 12, 2014

[patyrn]

Merle Dean Craig, age 63, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2014 at his home in Severy, Kansas.  Merle was born on December 25, 1950 in Eureka, Kansas to Wilbur and Henryetta (Pape) Craig.

Merle's family moved to the Severy area in 1953 where Merle grew up and graduated from Severy High School.  On July 6, 1970, he married Patty Signer in Eureka, Kansas.  Merle and Patty made Severy their home where they raised two sons and one daughter.  Merle supported his family by working in the oil fields during the winter months and hauling hay during the summer for several years until he opened a welding and repair shop that he ran for 14 years.  At this time, he also worked for Frank Bills Trucking as the shop service and repairman until he was no longer able to do truck repair due to an injury.  He them phased out his welding shop and started a recycling business which he ran until his accident on June 15, 2013 which led to the closing of his business.

Merle is survived by his mother, Henryetta, of El Dorado, Kansas; his wife, Patty, of the home; his sons, Rodney and wife, Carlette and Kevin; his daughter, Melissa; his granddaughter, Ashley and husband, Cotton; his grandson, Michael; and great-granddaughter, Brooke, all of Severy, Kansas; two brothers, Kenny and Robert Craig; and two sisters, Wanda Nusz and Della Kirkendall.  He was preceded in death by his father, Wilbur, and siblings, Earl and Earlene.  '

Per Merle's wishes, cremation has taken place.  A memorial graveside service will be held Friday, April 18, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at South Lawn Cemetery in Severy, Kansas.  Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association and may be left with the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

[frawin]

I worked on a Rotary Drilling Rig with this mans Father, Wilbur Craig.  That was over 50+ years ago. Our prayers go out to this family.