Kenneth Odeal Craig, Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, in Orange, Texas.
Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City, Texas. Officiating will be Reverend Casey Estler of First Methodist Church of Port Neches, Texas. Entombment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange, Texas.
Visitation time will be held prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City, Texas.
Born on April 24, 1933, in Vowells Mill, Louisiana, to Eston Craig and Cora Estelle Foshee Craig, Kenneth lived a life marked by hard work, dedication, and an unwavering love for his family. Kenneth proudly served in the United States Army, primarily stationed in Germany, where he often shared his love for his family by sending gifts back home. After returning from service, he embarked on a career as a carpenter with Gulf Oil, successfully building a legacy over more than thirty years. His work ethic was exemplary; he often took on at least two jobs at a time and not only honed his skills as a carpenter, but also carved out a niche as a talented cabinet maker. Among his proudest accomplishments were constructing his parents’ and siblings’ home and the home where he raised his own family, both of which stand as lasting tributes to his craftsmanship.
Family was the cornerstone of Kenneth’s life. He cherished every moment spent with his children, Kenneth Craig Jr., daughters P.J. Craig and Donna Craig Yoder. He was an adoring grandfather to Lauren Hamilton, Lindsay Yoder, and great-grandfather to Avery Hamilton. Kenneth had a special bond with his granddog, Ginger, showcasing the warmth of his character. He dedicated countless hours to making joyous memories with his children, often telling stories that would spark their imaginations and sharing his love of music through guitar playing and singing.
Kenneth’s hobbies included fishing, squirrel hunting, playing dominoes, and cultivating a vegetable garden, where he found peace and joy, while sharing its abundance with others. He always welcomed new members into his family with open arms, epitomizing the true spirit of familial love. His friendships were equally cherished; he formed a close-knit group of friends with whom he took annual week-long trips in the fall for camp hunts and enjoyed extended fishing trips.
Kenneth is survived by his beloved family: his son, Kenneth Craig, Jr.; his daughters, P.J. Craig (Charlene Dineen (d)) and Donna Craig Yoder (Roland Buckner); his granddaughters, Lauren Yoder Hamilton (Jarrett), and Lindsay Yoder (Corey Fields); his great-granddaughter, Avery Hamilton; his sister, Sandra Doolittle (Sherman (d)), his brothers; Harmon Craig (Sandy (d)) and Ronald Craig and his wife, Maggie; his sister-in-law, Hazel Domec Blake (Tony (d)); along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving family members.
He is preceded in death by his wife of over 64 years, Mary Lou Domec Craig; his parents, Eston and Cora Estelle Craig; his sister, Roma Guywske and her husband, Johnny; his brother-in-law, Sherman Doolittle; and his sister-in-law, Sandy Craig.
Serving as pallbearers will be Roland Buckner, Sonia Martinez Craig, , Matthew Doolittle, Mark Doolittle, Jarrett Hamilton, Bobby Manuel, Charles Ray, and Mike Yoder. Honorary pallbearers are Keith Blake, Kevin Blake, Sean Blake, Carla Dunn, Angelette Jakobsen, Bo Jakobsen, Shana LaBouve, Jay LaBouve, Murphy LaBouve, Theresa McLemore, Wade Miller, Desiree Ray, and his beloved grand-dog, Ginger.
Kenneth will be remembered for the deep love he had for his family and friends, the memories he created, and the lives he touched. May his legacy of love and strength continue to inspire those who knew him.
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