Bobby L. Craigo

Ret. USAF

Haughton, LA

Bobby Logan Craigo was born February 12, 1933, in Celeste, Texas, the only child of Robert A. and Pauline (Logan) Craigo. He grew up in Celeste but enjoyed frequent trips to visit his extended family and many cousins, spending every Christmas at his Logan grandparents’ home in Soper, Oklahoma. On May 27, 1954, he married Delene Wakefield in Greenville, Texas.

He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business from East Texas State Teacher’s College in 1955, where he was a member of the ROTC and Friar’s club. After graduation, he joined the USAF as a career officer, served on the B47 and B52 aircraft, and treasured close, life-long friendships with his crew and co-workers. He was an excellent radar navigator on an outstanding crew recognized for their performance and accuracy, their plane often leading the flight group into target areas. He flew over 200 combat missions during his tours of duty in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. He retired after 20 years with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He then completed a master’s of business administration at Centenary College and worked in the financial industry as an accountant, stock broker and tax preparer.

With skills developed during 7 years of piano lessons in early life, he developed a lifelong love of music. He was a gifted improvisational musician who enjoyed performing throughout his life, both as a solo and ensemble player. He was particularly renowned for his mastery of boogie-woogie, barrel-house, ragtime and other “classic” piano styles. His family would like to thank Patsy Cline, Jerry Lee Lewis, Scott Joplin, Hank Williams and Bob Wills for a life-time of inspiration and pleasure. He was also a lifelong football fan and was pleased (and amazed) to see the Saints win their first Super Bowl last year.

He will be remembered for his questioning, incisive mind, and love of thinking “outside the box.” His irrepressible humor, quick wit and colorful turn-of-phrase were unique. But, above all, he treasured his family. He displayed a tenacious commitment to loved ones through good times and bad, and was a staunch companion and tender nurse to his wife Delene through years of illness and disability. His children will never forget his exemplary love and patience.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Delene; his children Paula Craigo (John Lieske) of Rochester MN, Robert Craigo of Fort Worth TX, and Jana Holdsworth and Mary Craigo of Haughton LA; his grandchildren Trey (Lacey) and Logan Holdsworth, Katie Craigo and Elizabeth Lieske; and great-grandbaby Drew Holdsworth.

The visitation will be at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home, Tuesday, August 3, 2010 from 5 – 8 pm. Memorial service with full military honors will be led by Brother Melton Prothro at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel on Wednesday at 2 pm. He will be buried next to his parents in Greenville, TX, on Thursday, August 5 at 2 pm in Memoryland Memorial Park; Pastor James Ralson will officiate.

You may share your memories with the family by visiting www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com.