Willard Craig

Willard S. 'Bill' Craig, 90, known by most as 'Bill', died Tuesday, December 4, 2007, at MedCentral, Mansfield. Born April 9, 1917, in Mt. Vernon, he was the son of Robert and Bessie Craig. Willard was a graduate of Mansfield Senior High and was formerly employed at Mansfield Reformatory and Barnes Manufacturing. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving in Europe during World War II. While in the service, he received the Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, American Defense Service Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with four Bronze Stars. He enjoyed woodworking and crafts and caring for his little dog, Pepper.

Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Dorothea Craig; a step-son, Jess Pam Kitzmiller; three step grandchildren, Micah, Michell and Kelsey and two step great grandchildren; five brothers and sisters all from this area, Fred Sue Craig, Marlyn Harold Hunt, Dorothy Salter, Roger Jerry Craig and Saundra Charles Kunze; a daughter-in-law, Dorthy Craig of Ft. Wayne, IN; two grandchildren and several great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Willard Stanly Craig, Jr.; and a sister, Kate and her husband, Pat Young.

Private family services will be held at a later date with burial in Mansfield Cemetery. The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors assisted the family with arrangements.