Sidney King Craighead

Sidney was born in Oakland, CA on April 27, 1937. He graduated from Fresno High School in 1955. He attended college at Fresno City College, California State University, Fresno, University California Santa Barbara, California State University, Hayward, and University of Southern California. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration, with a minor in Biology, from California State University, Fresno in 1964.

Sidney and Mary were married on July 17, 1972 and they celebrated 43 years of marriage before her passing in 2015. Their children include Susan Lynne (Craighead) Martinez from Sid’s prior marriage, and Richard Lindsay and Steven Lindsay from Mary’s prior marriage.

During his 31 year teaching career, Sid taught at Dinuba High School, El Dorado High School in Placerville, and Avenal High School. He also partnered with his father and brother in the family business, California Grain Brokers. After the business was sold, Sid returned to teaching high school. He retired from Reef Sunset Unified School District in 2007.

Sid was active for many years in community politics and dozens of economic projects. He was a longtime City of Avenal Council Member, and served as Mayor from 2004-2006. His most recent role was as a member of the Kings County Grand Jury.

He was a member of many clubs and organizations, including the Avenal Rotary Club, Fresno Trade Club, Las Palmas/Ponderosa Masonic Lodge, Fresno Scottish Rite, Tehran Shrine Temple, Tehran Temple Guard, and Kings County Shrine Club.

Sidney was predeceased by his parents, Porter King and Bessie Craighead, brothers James Anderson and Robert Anderson, sister Lucinda Craighead, wife Mary Ann (McCleland) Craighead, and daughter Susan Lynne (Craighead) Martinez.

Sidney is survived by stepsons Richard Lindsay and his wife Shirley, and Steven Lindsay and his wife Laura; six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service/Celebration of Life will be held at Avenal Veterans Memorial Building, 108 W. Kings St, Avenal, CA 93204 on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 12:00 p.m.

Remembrance: Tehran Shrine Temple Children’s Hospital, or donor’s favorite charity.

Arrangements: Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home.