Rev. Claude E Craig

Born Oct.10, 1924 in Alto Pass to Clovis and Clara (Toler) Craig, he married Dorothy Gibson on Sept.9, 1944 in  Jonesboro.

Surviving are his wife; 1 son, Earnest Craig of Long View, Wash.; 3 daughters, Joan King of Creve Coeur, Marilyn (Steve) Crisler of Germantown Hills, and Jeanie (Dan) Farmer of Morton; 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother, Gilbert (Pauline) Craig of Spring Bay.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 1 granddaughter; 2 brothers; and a son-in-law.

Claude retired from Caterpillar, Inc. in 1989 after 39 years of service.

He dedicated his life to the Southern Baptist ministry for over 50 years, pastoring 5 churches in the Peoria area. 

Claude was a member of the Creve Coeur Southern Baptist Church, which he founded in 1957.

He was a member of the Peoria Metro Baptist Association and the United Auto Workers Local 974 in Peoria.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes and Crematory in Creve Coeur.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Spring Bay Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Baptist Children's Home, 949 County Road 1300 North, Carmi, IL 62821

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com