Gerald Lynn Craighead (also known as Pops, Uncle Jerry or Fuzz), age 80, of Ontario, Ohio passed away Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Ohio Health - Mansfield. Gerald was born on June 20, 1945, to Harold Harter and Thelma Mae (Lybarger) Craighead in Mansfield, Ohio.
He proudly served and was a veteran of the US Navy aboard the submarine USS Permit (SSN-594). He worked at Ohio Brass and retired from Phillips Manufacturing/Shelby Welded Tube.
Jerry was a hard worker, committed husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his family and his friends. He loved to joke, laugh, and have a good time. He enjoyed fishing with his kids, grandkids, and friends. He also enjoyed old cars, old saws, woodworking in his garage, and any type of gardening, whether it be flowers, vegetables, or trimming his bonsai trees.
At one point in time, he had many fish tanks in his home basement where he had a recliner and would escape there to enjoy his tropical fish and take a nap. In his later years he would enjoy a nice country drive out to visit his favorite highland cow, “Luke”, which he created a large comb so he could brush him. If he wasn’t visiting Luke, you would catch him laid back in his chair, enjoying a western or sports game.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 51 years, Betty Craighead of Ontario, Ohio; children Raymond Douglas Murphy of Ontario, Ohio, Wayne Richard Craighead (Becky) of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, Mark Anthony Craighead (Jennifer) of Lexington, Ohio, Jeffrey Lee Craighead of Mt. Gilead, Ohio; special great-niece Kimberly Chandler (David) of Ontario, Ohio; brother Larry Craighead (Priscilla) of Shelby, Ohio; 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, special friends: Petey, Kenny, Larry, and John.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 11:30-1:00 PM at Wappner Funeral Directors – Ontario, 100 S. Lexington Springmill Rd, Ontario, Ohio, 44906. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM, with Pastor Robert Kurtz officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to Richland County VA Services, 597 Park Ave E, Mansfield, OH 44905.
Wappner Funeral Directors-Ontario is honored to serve the Craighead family.
