Roland Gene Craig

Roland Gene Craig passed away Saturday, March 22, 2014 at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 83 years, 10 months and 1 day. Gene was born on May 21, 1930 in Hutchinson, Kansas to Ernest and Roberta (Lusk) Craig, their first of two children. After High School graduation, Gene attended Kansas State University for one and a half years, before enlisting in the U. S. Navy. During his time spent in the Navy Air Corps, Gene developed a love for flying, performing many of the duties of Air Traffic Controller. In 1950, after his honorable discharge, Gene returned to the family farm near Natoma. In August 1952, Gene was united in Marriage to Dora Marie, daughter of Gahart and Florence Michaelis, at the United Church of Osborne, Kansas. To this nineteen year marriage were born seven children: Philip, Cynthia, Douglas, Barbara, Ward, Daniel and Cecilia. Gene served several years on the School Board in Natoma. He was active in 4-H, The Kansas Livestock Association, Farm Bureau, and the Ellis County Fair Board. In 1989 he received the Ellis County Bankers Conservation Award. After the tragic death of Dora from injuries sustained in an auto accident, Gene continued to farm and ranch while raising his seven children, who were between the ages of 8 and 18, on his own. Gene returned to school at Fort Hays State University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geology in 1987 at the age of 57. After retiring from farming, Gene worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Hays, Kansas, as a rural mail carrier for 24 years, retiring from that position October 31, 2012. Gene was a fourth generation Master Mason and member of the Natoma lodge and Russell lodge 177. He was a 32nd degree Mason, member of the Scottish Rite as well as being a member of the Shrine. Gene enjoyed attending KSU football games as a season ticket holder. He encouraged family gatherings at several bowl games where K-State played. Preceding Gene in death were his wife Dora in 1971, son Daniel Craig in 1991, daughter Cecilia Craig-Klemm in 2004, father Ernest in 1976, and mother Roberta in 1994. Survivors include son Philip Craig (Sherri) of Rockledge, FL, daughter Cynthia Steeples (John) of Palco, KS, son Douglas Craig (Debra) of Round Rock, TX, daughter Barbara Coffey (Todd) of Baldwin City, KS, son Ward Craig (Crystal) of Russell, KS, sister Eva Herod (Jerry) of La Follette, TN, 13 Grandchildren, and 1 Great grandchild. Memorial Services are planned for 10 am, Saturday, June 7 at the Historical Presbyterian Church in Natoma, Kansas. The family requests that memorial donations be made to The Historical Presbyterian Church of Natoma in lieu of flowers; send in care of Foster Mortuary, 610 24th St., Box 533, Wilson, Kansas 67490.