Robert Carl Craig

Robert Carl Craig, 86, went to be with the Lord on August 26, 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claud Whitmore Craig, and Thelma Martin Craig, his sister, Thelma Craig Copeland, and the love of his life, his wife, Eleanor Atkinson Craig. Robert died only 4 weeks following Eleanor’s passing. He and Eleanor were married for 63-years, and 10-months. Some believe that Robert died not only of physical illness, but also of a broken heart after losing his beloved wife.

He is survived by his three daughters, Carrie Hearn and husband, Dale, Cathleen Drew and husband, Doug, and Cheryl Todd and husband, Shawn. His adoring grandchildren include Melissa Brown and husband, Bret, Patrick Todd and wife, Cori, Philip Todd, Caroline Todd, Caitlyn Drew, and 1 great-granddaughter, Eliza Brown. Mr. Craig’s brother, Cliff Craig, and wife, Caroline, and a host of nieces and nephews also remain.

Robert was raised in Houston, and this is also where he and Eleanor raised their family & lived their entire lives. He attended Rice University for his first year and a half of college, and then entered the United States Army. He served his country at the close of WWII as a staff sergeant in Los Alamos, NM. Robert served in the area of intelligence, and was an “expert” pistol shooter (.45 Cal.). After his discharge from the Army, Robert graduated with an Engineering degree from the University of Houston. He worked in the field of engineering for Sinclair and later Atlantic Richfield Company, from which he retired.

Robert was an active member of Champion Forest Baptist Church with his wife, Eleanor, for 33 years.

Robert and Eleanor became members of Park Place Baptist Church as a young couple, and this is where they raised their daughters from the nursery to college age. As a youngster, Robert and his parents and siblings attended Woodland Baptist Church, which is where he followed the Lord in baptism. He served as a deacon, and taught children’s Sunday school with his wife, Eleanor, for many years at both Champion Forest and Park Place Baptist Churches.

Robert’s daughters describe him as a kind, gentle spirited and loving Christian father. They were comforted always by his wise advice and sweet spirit. He enjoyed taking care of his girls by making sure that they had opportunities to excel and to achieve their dreams in life. Mr. Craig was known as a “handy man” that could repair almost anything. He was a wonderful Dad who had a dry sense of humor. His jokes were later coined by his grandchildren as “Pawpaw jokes.”