Philip Craig

On Saturday, September 2, 2017, Philip D Craig, 82, was reunited with his eternal companion, Verna Sego Craig, and his son, Curtis Craig. He will lovingly be remembered by his son, Casey (Miriam) Craig, his daughter-in-law (Penny), his seven grandchildren, Rayna, Leon, Kimber, KayDee, Karlee, Philip, and Kortnee, and his eight great-grandchildren.

Philip was the eleventh of twelve children born to Andrew and Kathleen (Clark) Craig on June 4th 1935 in Fort Fairfield, Aroostook, Maine. He was a first-generation American citizen, as both of his parents were born in Canada. In his early years he fed, watered, and cleaned stalls for the many cows, pigs and chickens they owned. Starting at age seven he was picking potatoes for ten cents a barrel to help pay for clothes, food, and other necessities.

When he was seventeen years old he left the frigid, cold Maine winters, and enlisted in the US Army for four years. Soon after his discharge from the Army, he enlisted in the Air Force. While stationed at Manzano Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico he met the most gorgeous girl he had ever laid eyes on, and who soon became his bride. He married Verna Sego on his birthday, June 4, 1960. They had two sons who were the joy of their lives.

Philip's time in the Air Force took his family from New Mexico to Maine, California, the Azores, Michigan, and Texas. He also completed a year-long tour of duty to Korat Air Base Thailand
without his young family. While there he was awarded The Air Force Comendation Medal for planning a more efficient way to recover fighter planes and to retrieve downed pilots.

After twenty years of honorable service, Philip retired from the Air Force, and he and his family returned to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Eventually, they moved to Fort Worth, Texas where his wife of thirty-two years passed away. Although devastated, he continued to be a wonderful father and grandfather. After retiring from the US Post Office in Texas, he moved to American Fork, UT and then to Lava Hot Springs, ID. Each move in his life brought new adventures, new challenges and new friends.

Philip leaves a legacy to his children and grandchildren of hard work, laughter, and generosity. He never complained. He loved his country, and more than anything he loved his family.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family in the "Tribute Wall" link above.