Craig M. Stephens

Craig M. Stephens, age 74, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on August 28, 2018. Craig’s life was full of hard work, striving to be the best and fighting for what is right, regardless of other’s opinions. To those who knew him professionally, he was a successful attorney and brilliant political strategist. It was widely known in Portage County, that if you wanted to win, in the courtroom or the ballot box, you called Craig Stephens. To those who knew him personally, he was equally hardworking but in very different ways. At the end of the day, Craig traded his business suit for a pair of stained work jeans, a worn two pocket flannel shirt, and work boots. For Craig, a business casual wardrobe did not exist.

Craig was born in Columbus, Kansas in 1944, the son of 2 teachers. He moved to Ohio in 1956 attending Kent State University High School and graduating from Kent State University in 1968. It is no surprise that during his time at KSU Craig was elected the first Student Body President, revived the Democrat Club and was invited to the White House. As an undergraduate, he also managed John Carson’s successful campaign for Kent Mayor and at age 22 was named Safety Director for the City of Kent from 1966-1968. After graduation, Craig entered the U.S. Army and served as Special Agent – Military Intelligence from 1968-1971.

Following his honorable discharge, Craig enrolled in Akron University Law School, graduating in 1973 beginning his career in the law offices of Giulitto and Dickinson. Soon after, he started his own private practice where he continually represented the rights of the working class specializing in criminal law. He was well respected throughout the region as an intelligent, straight shooting attorney who always told it like it is. Craig’s “just get it done” attitude was known broadly, but he also stopped to help anyone who needed it. Over his career he volunteered his time and expertise to organizations such as the NAACP, Boys & Girls Club, NEOCAP, Juvenile Detention Center, Portage County Community Action Council and Waterloo School District. Until his death, Craig continued to serve the community as the Chair of the Portage County Democratic Party and Member and Chairman of the Portage County Board of Elections.

Over 50 years of service, Craig played a critical role in the campaigns of over 60 local, state and national officials turning Portage County into a stronghold for the Democratic Party with his labeled “green machine” featuring his candidates’ signature green political signs. Labeled the “King Maker”, Craig was known for challenging the Democratic establishment and introducing new candidates into the party. Over the same time period, Craig took similar pride turning the family property in Randolph from an old farm into a showpiece that held every County Democratic Picnic since the early 1990s, numerous wedding and birthday events and kids camping overnights. He could typically be found working in his barn or out operating equipment, most recently joined by his grandson, Xavier, who liked nothing more than working on equipment with his Grandpa.

Craig was married to the love of his life and his better half, Ruth (Enlow), for 42 years. Together they have two children, Justin Stephens and Samantha (Hank) Stephens/Brooks; and two grandchildren, Xavier and Simone. Craig is survived by his sisters, Sylvia (Pete) Klas of Minnesota, and Pam Valentine of Ravenna; nephews Matt (Ashley) and Robert Valentine and Paul (Angela) Klas and numerous family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Adalyn Stephens and his brother, Chuck Stephens.

We welcome family and friends to celebrate Craig’s remarkable life at the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center, Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 4pm. A brief service will be followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a cause that was important to Craig.

Family & Community Services, 705 Oakwood St., Suite 221, Ravenna, OH 44266 with Stephens Endowment in the memo. Or online at www.fcsserves.org/donate. Please select Skeels-Matthews Community Center.

Ralph Mitchell Zoo, Independence, Kansas through FORPAZ, P.O. Box 9, Independence, KS 67301 or online at https://squareup.com/market/forpaz-inc.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com.