Craig Vernon Wilson

Craig Vernon Wilson was born February 24, 1949 in Ontario, Oregon to Vernon William Wilson and Rhoda Isola (Batie) Wilson. Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends, December 11, 2015, in Ontario, Oregon. He grew up in Fruitland and graduated with the class of 1967. He joined the Army National Guard in June 1968 serving eight years. He worked in the service station at Manser Ford in Payette and started selling cars in 1970. He later sold cars for Ryder Ford of Weiser. In 1980 he began his semi-truck driving career, retiring from Ore- Ida Trucking.

On April 28, 1973 he married Marilyn Melcher in Reno, Nevada. They were blessed with their first son Jeffrey “Jeff” Craig Wilson in 1977 and their second son, Justin Raymond “JR” Wilson in 1980.

Craig was an outdoorsman, he enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing, although he never caught a fish and came home empty handed most times. He had a witty sense of humor and was able to put a smile on anyone’s face. Craig also enjoyed watching his Western movies.

Craig loved his children and grandchildren unconditionally. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports and show their 4-H and FFA animals at Payette County Fair. His grandchildren were the apple of his eyes. His grandchildren thought the world of him and will deeply miss their Papa Craig.

Preceded in death by his grandson, Colton Raymond Wilson; his parents, brother, Robert W. Wilson and Best Friend, Tony Smith. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff (Janice) Wilson, JR (Angie) Wilson; sisters, Jeannette (Roger) Greenfield and Colleen (Ken) Booth; grandsons Nick, Riley, Braylen, Dev and granddaughters Tillie, Ali, Sierra and Paige “Lil Britches” and many nieces, nephews and “Papa Craig” to many adoptive grandkids.

Special thanks to his many doctors & nurses especially, our dear friend, Ty who was totally our “Knight in Shining Armor”.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, December 18th at Park View Cemetery, New Plymouth. Services and arrangements are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Fruitland. Condolences may be made to Craig’s family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity, c/o Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, Idaho 83661.