Robert Everett “Bob” Craig, son of the late Everett and Ruby Craig was born on October 26, 1944 in Jonesboro, Arkansas and departed this life on March 11, 2016 at the Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau at the age of 71.
Bob Craig was man focused on family, friends, fishing, his flip phone, and in the summer, St Louis Cardinals baseball. He loved parties and gatherings which he referred to as “big blow outs.” Family meant more than just blood to Bob, and his family came in more surnames than just Craig. Family included names like Bloomfield, Vancil, Corlew, Nichols, Norris, Steel, Essner, Blair and yes, Jones. Because his friends were his family, it would take volumes to list all the names. One thing everyone is certain though, they were his favorite. Most also had a Bobby nickname. A woman’s was more likely "Baby Doll" , Darlin” or “Hon’” than the one her parents chose. Bob referred to his siblings as Doc, Reverend Dan, JoeJoe, WD and Mary Beth.
A very spirited Jack Russell by the name of Kati was his pride and joy. She served as both companion and therapist. Most days they could be seen sauntering about Dexter in his lipstick red Ford F150. Weather permitting, they would head east with stops at Dexter Ag, Ross Cotton Co and Mayberry Seed on the way to Craig farm where he was raised. Kati ran. Bob reflected. He pondered the meaning of what he called the good old days. And he dreamed of what it would be like to see his mom and dad again. Bob no longer has to imagine.
He is survived by three brothers, David Craig of Sikeston, Danny Craig of Clearwater, Florida and Joe Craig of Dexter; by two sisters, Diane Craig of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and Beth Young of Nicholasville, Kentucky; by five nephews; by three nieces and many friends.
Friends may call at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.
Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel in Dexter with officiating. Interment will follow in the Dexter Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the following Charities: Carry the Cross, www.carrythecrossnow.com, or The Stoddard County Children’s Home, P.O. Box 164, Dexter, Missouri 63841.
