Tommy Joe Craig

Tommy J Craig was born on November 19, 1937 and graduated to eternity on April 20, 2023 at 85 years old. He was the lifelong love of Joan K Craig.

Tommy and Joan met in Barstow schools in the 8th grade and was his one and only girl and before he passed, they celebrated 67 years of marriage. Together they celebrated the births of their four children, Liz Hazelbaker (Ken), Thomas Craig (Becci), Todd Craig (Mary), and Kristi Shrum (Michael).

Tommy was lovingly known to his family as Pampa and he deeply loved and was proud of both his children and his grandchildren. He regularly kept up on everything in their lives, even to the point of driving by their homes or job sites just to check on them.

His first grandchild brought him such joy and from then on, he was known to give “horsey rides” and roll around on the floor playing in his living room. This was one of the things he greatly missed as he began to decline in health, he loved interacting with the kids on the floor.

He proudly served as both a paid and volunteer firefighter for Barstow Fire Department for 22 years and followed that by serving as a California Highway Patrol Officer for 15 years. After “retirement”, he had to stay busy, so he drove heavy machinery for Barstow Ready Mix and then worked for Willie Kurhajian hauling celebrities and film crews around the dunes.

One of his favorite things was our desert, he loved to spend countless hours wandering around exploring. If it’s out there, he knew where it was! One of his passions was racing, anything from motorcycles to off road cars. When he could no longer race, he enjoyed following his sons and grandsons, who continued the family tradition with 3G Racing.

Tommy always acted tough, but he had a huge heart, and would help anyone with anything, that was the kind of man he was.

He was preceded in his death by his parents, Thomas and Mary Craig. His heart was broken when we lost his beloved Grandson TJ Craig.

He is survived by his wife Joan K Craig, his four children, 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren.

Grandchildren are Ken Hazelbaker, Mya Fisher, Kandice Hazelbaker, TJ Craig, Timothy Craig, Jeremy Craig, Jenifer Cordova, Jessika Alvarez, Michelle Shrum, Brandi Cantu.

Great grandchildren: Caleb Dillow, Kenny Hazelbaker, Alexis Hazelbaker, Emily Fisher, Timmy Craig, Delilah Fisher, Tanner Craig, Tommy Craig, Allison Fisher, Nathan Garcia, Ariana Garcia, Tyler Cantu, Cameron Cordova, Serabelle Shrum, Benson Craig, Matthew Verdugo II, Carter Craig, and Abigail Alvarez,

Great great grandchild LillyAnn Dillow and one in the oven, Oliver Thomas.

We are going to miss his very strong and steady branch in our family tree.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.meadcares.com for the Craig family.