Arthur Leonard Craig, Sr. the third child of Carl Gradon and Bessie Mae (Clem) Craig, was born on a farm northwest of Leedey on July 17, 1933. He departed this life at the Vici Nursing Home with family at his bedside on May 22, 2015 at the age of 81 years, ten months and five days.
Arthur started grade school at Trail, OK, before attending high school at Leedey, graduating with the Class of 1951. Following high school, Arthur rodeoed, where he competed in bareback bronc, saddle bronc, and occasionally bull riding. He traveled to different states, competing, including California, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Kansas and to the “Daddy of them All”, Cheyenne, Wyoming.
In 1958, Arthur joined the United States Army Reserve, where he was stationed at Ft. Chaffee, AR for basic training. He was honorably discharged in September 1964. On March 12, 1964, Arthur was united in marriage to Patricia Faye Pettyjohn in Del City, OK. Together they raised four children: Krystal, Scott, King and Kasey. They made their home northwest of Leedey where Arthur farmed and ranched.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed many activities, including rodeos, fishing and breaking horses, working with cattle, camping with his family, hunting and fishing, telling stories, attending family reunions and family history. Arthur was at one time a member of the Leedey Roping Club, Woodward Rodeo Club and a member of the Rodeo Cowboy Association. He was especially proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death was his beloved wife, Faye on February 19, 2004. His parents, Carl and Bessie Craig, one sister, Helen and two brothers Tracy and Bob, two nephews Bobby Craig and Tracy Leo Craig, Jr. and one niece Betty Ruth Chavers.
Those left behind to cherish his memory are his children, Krystal Harrel and husband Joey of Vici, Scott Craig and wife Sheryl, King Craig and wife Shannon all of Leedey, Kasey Wherritt and husband Butch of Custer City; grandchildren, Zac Harrel and wife Emily, Kristi Eyster and husband Eric, Tracy Craig, Trina Craig, Trevor Craig, Chance Craig and wife Crystal, Logan Craig, Levi Craig, Jake Craig, Kole Wherritt, and Kaleb Schrock; 15 great grandchildren, two special aunts: Leojeanne Craig and Billie Ruth Jones, and two sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
The family would like to extend its appreciation to the staffs of the Angelwood Assisted Living Center of Clinton, OK, the Vici Nursing Home and Faith Hospice for their care during Daddy’s final months.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leedey Fire or Ambulance Departments.
Services will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in the United Methodist Church of Leedey, OK. Burial will follow at Shirley Cemetery west of Leedey.
The Cheyenne Star, May 28, 2015