We got to hangout with grandpa last. We spent the whole day hanging in the camper, going out to dinner and he even helped us season our new Blackstone. That’s just who he was though, helping when and where he could. It was just one of those days that everything seemed to be right. That night when we said goodbye to grandpa I ended up giving him a hug for some unknown reason. Even afterwards I said to myself, what was that, I never do that. However it ended up being our last goodbye, and I’m glad I hugged him. I believe we got the luckiest, we got to give him a real goodbye, not knowing it was a final goodbye. And I’ll never forget grandma telling us that same night, grandpa also commented saying that everything about that day was perfect, from the drive over the bighorns, to the stories we told in the camper, to the final steak dinner. 

Goodbye grandpa, I will never forget all our trips. From fishing to camping to the beach to just hanging out on Sunday's talking football. There will never be another Grandpa Craig and I will miss you.

I met Craig when I was 14 years old, the first time I met him I was instantly liked by him. This was always Craig he loved everyone, there was a group of high school boys that took to him like a father, he taught most of my classmates how to rope and a select few how to build fence (for reasons we wont get into). I can still remember sending Craig and Brenda off to Texas from Arizona. Craig told me the only reason he was taking this adventure was because he trusted me with Angela. Shortly after Craig moved back to Texas me and Angela got the call to come work at Champion. For 16 years I worked side by side with Craig I can not explain the admiration and respect I had for him. He taught me so much about cattle and business. I asked him one time why Champion? His response was, “ I enjoy helping people” He showed me how to love people and that family was everything. I did get the pleasure of many family trips with Craig from the first time we went skiing to my first trip to Galveston. I do not know how we will go on with life without him but I do know we must, Craig built a legacy and I will do by best to keep it going.  There will forever be a Craig sized hole in my heart. I love you Dad.

Doug

From the moment that I met Craig he was always so kind and made me feel a part of the family. I was talking to Cody the other night about something I’ll always remember and it was the night you guys made it to Gillette and we went out to dinner. We both were not set on getting a steak however grandpa looks at us and goes “you can’t go to a steakhouse and not get a steak” at first I was like oh okay but then that ended up being one of the best steaks I’ve had in awhile. that is something that I have held on to the past couple of weeks and will hold onto forever and now I’ll always got to a steakhouse and consider getting a steak.

I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Craig for a long time, but in the short time of knowing him he left a huge impact on me. From the first time I was introduced to him Craig made me feel special, the man had a way of making you feel like what you had to say was important and that you mattered. Conversations with him felt like you were talking with an old friend. When you start a relationship with someone meeting their family can sometimes feel intimidating and can leave you feeling nervous but with Craig that wasn’t the case at all. Anytime I came over we would quickly discuss where I was working that week, what rodeo was taking place that week and who was winning in the team roping. A lot was to be learned from Craig as well, the patience he had with people and the friendly smile he offered was something to be admired. Craig taught me several things from just observing how he lived his life… like how to treat your family members and being a man that every one of his grand kids looked up to. To treating others he encountered every day with respect and patience. 

Weekly we would have lunch at Ochoas to catch up and have a bite to eat. Every time we went, when it would get close to get the bill I would try and sneak my card to the waiter with no success… every time Craig would have me beat and his card would already be there or he had already convinced the staff to use his instead of mine. He looked at me one of those days and said “there will come a time when I’m gone when it’ll be your job to get the bill but right now I got it”... I didn’t think it would come this soon but Craig I got it from here thanks for everything.

I will never accept it. I will always be ready to see him sitting on his chair, I will forever miss Grandpa. 
He was the best grandpa I could have asked for. He was always there when I needed him and he was always interested in what I was talking about. I could be talking about anything in the world but he would always make me feel like he was more than interested. 
He made the best food and hands down the best hot chocolate. He would come watch me play any sport I wanted him to see and he was always telling me I did a great job, even if I was the worst one out there. He was truly one of a kind and I will always be grateful to have known him for the time I did. I wish I could sit down and have one more lunch with him and maybe talk about how the cowboys were doing. He was the reason I knew what was going on in the NFL. I was always shocked to see how much money he earned in a fake betting app we had together. Every single day I would have a notification saying Craig bet 50million coins on a game. I will miss seeing his name pop up in the notifications.
I got to work with him a few times, and he taught me a lot in those times. One time we had to screw metal roof panels on to the chicken coop and I was his helper. Every screw that slipped or fell while he tried to screw it in I learned, you just have to cuss at it. He did it time after time. So every time something slips I am reminded at what his great words were. Grandpa has taught me that you have to be kind to everyone you meet. He always included everyone in everything. He was never selfish or rude. He made everyone apart of his family. Anybody I brought over he would treat them like family. I will be waiting forever till I get to see my grandpa in heaven. He meant so much words can’t describe. I will always have the upmost respect for him. He was someone that was a jack of all trades. He was really someone that you will always miss for the rest of my life. I wish I could give him one last hug.
I love you Grandpa

I truly am at a loss of words. Grandpa( Craig Barton) was one of the most kind and patient person I knew. He was always there to help or listen if you needed him. From him doing surgery on my cat outside to him listening to how I almost died trying to drive on the scary highways in Dallas. Making breakfast in the morning or burgers at night, he loved giving a helping hand. I think my favorite thing about him was his reaction to any new thing I bought, when I showed him whatever I got that day, he would always say Ooooooo as it was the coolest thing he’s ever seen. It’s going to be hard without you. 

Love Halle, 

byeee Grandpa

When I first met Craig I knew he was a good honorable man. He held himself with such a sense of love, kindness, and respect. He was the most special person in the world to Ollie and he misses him everyday. Ollie tells me everyday day that he misses the greatest man who lived, and the man who made his world go round. I’m so blessed to have known him, he treated me like family and I’ll never forget that. 

Love, Launa Coker

Craig
A step dad, nah, he was a dad.  He got all the hard times.  High school, dating, jobs, losing grandparents, and growing up.  None of that was easy, I made sure of it.  He never lost his patients, even when I crippled his horse, made our horses afraid of trash cans by tying one to them to take to the road or snapped horns off the roping steers doing things I knew better than to do. Even when I ditched school and took his work truck with a nitrogen tank in the back, he never lost his cool.  When I would go out on the weekends he would say where you going and I would answer with some friends house.  He would follow me outside and say where you really going, your mom wont let me sleep until I find the body.  Craig never told us what we had to do,  he only made suggestions on what we should do.  We learned a lot that way.  He didn't keep me out of trouble, only taught me that my choices had consequences.  Still with owning a business he would not tell me what to do, he would only layout my options.   I will miss this for sure.  Craig got to know all my children, and each if asked would say they were his favorite. He was involved in everything my kids did.  Volleyball, robotics, roping, gymnastics, basketball, dressing up for whatever occasion they needed.  Most importantly he was my moms whole world and her other half and she has been left with the biggest challenge of all.  The kids, Doug and I were very fortunate to have had you and you are so missed.

As I got up to speak on behalf of my current company today, I was reminded of the beginning of my bovine reproduction career with Champion Genetics.  I was able to take time to speak about how Craig took a chance and had his hand in developing me through knowledge, encouragement, and kindness.  He was a fun boss, and a good friend, I will miss seeing all the travel adventures.

I have so many special memories with Craig, my father-in-law. I’ll never forget my first vacation at 19 with the family when Jason, Angela, Clint, and Craig took me skiing for the first time even and talked me into double black diamonds in Arizona. He was extremely patient as I rolled down the mountain all day. Over the years, I can’t count how many times I called Brenda for advice when one of the kids had a boo-boo or was sick, and Craig always knew exactly what to do. If Craig said things were fine, I knew it was fine.

I’m forever grateful for the grandpa he was to our kids — from teaching Mackenzie how to ride, Jordan fishing at Grandpa’s to showing Slate how to cook his famous scrambled eggs. He even went with me to a couple of chemo treatments. One time it was just the two of us, and that meant so much. He always supported my big ideas and was ready to jump in, just waiting on me. 

I miss his gentle smile, his calm presence, and the way he always told me the food I cooked was good, as if he was surprised. He would say, “Miss that was good, you can cook.” He was one of a kind, and I’m so thankful for every memory. 
With all my love, 
Misty

My that's a great picture.  I have always described him as the Marlboro man that prefers Copenhagen.  I've never been around someone who controls calm.  I'm very blessed to have the opportunity to know you guys.  ❤️

I have always described him as the Marlboro man that prefers Copenhagen.  I've never been around someone who controls calm.  I'm very blessed to have the opportunity to know you guys.  ❤️
Nevin

Craig will be greatly missed by many, he was an incredible boss and an amazing person all around. Craig always had a smile on his face and an attitude that could spin a bad day into a good one. He hired me as someone with no knowledge in the industry, and without him I would not have found my passion in life. Some of my best memories working for Champion Genetics is getting to go out on the road and work with him, I always learned something from those conversations driving to clients whether it was industry related or just talks about life. Words cannot even begin to describe how great of a man he was, I am so so incredibly thankful I was able to know him and call him a friend.
Rest easy Mr. Craig
Cash Dwyer

Craig was a great friend & he lives in my memories.

I’ll forever be thankful for the memories, for the love and patience he poured into all of us, for his stories, his laugh, and his quiet strength. This picture will always remind me of how lucky we were to have him, and how much he’ll always be a part of our family.

Some of the best moments in life are the quiet ones, just sitting together, not saying much, but feeling completely safe and loved. This was one of those moments. Grandpa had a way of making everyone feel calm, like time could slow down when you were with him.

Scout adored his Grandpa Craig the way he’d let him climb up into his big chair, and sit side by side watching TV or sharing snacks. There was never a question that Grandpa’s lap was the best seat in the house.

Craig Barton to most but to me he was grandpa , the coolest grandpa ever to be exact.  My whole life I have wanted to be just like him in every way. He had patience you can’t teach and the dude was tough as nails. Grandpa knew the answer to everything no matter what it was he some how knew it.  He taught me how to rope and ride when I was young and I tried forever to become as good as he was at roping but that’ll never happen. He could throw a rope in the pond and pull a fish out. The most important thing he taught me about roping was the care for the horses at the end of the night. Then later on he got some mules and started packing in for elk hunts. He showed me all the tips and tricks to packing and how to work a mule. Grandpa sold me my first truck at a good deal and helped me get a jumpstart at life. And I still remember all the times he took us fishing for catch fish in the little pond or when we went to the beach he spent the whole day taking fish off the hooks and untangling poles and never once seemed upset. Grandpa was always happy and helpful in any situation. The most kind hearted man out there to ever live.  Going to miss you grandpa but I know you taught grandma your ways so if I ever have a question she’ll know.  “Saddle up and keep on riding” 

Montana didn’t get to know you long but he will definitely hear stories about you forever and going to saddle up and ride once he gets to that age. Maybe he will have your roping and horse skills!! You will definitely be missed and I’ll remember your the one who taught me every time I throw a leg over the saddle.

Tons of memories, all possible because of him. Lots of trips, caught the coolest fish I’ve ever caught, delicious food, gifted nice cowboy clothes, and many great times that I’ll always remember. He was always proud of his family and never judged. Just wanted everyone to be the best version of themselves. He’d want us all to continue to do the same, so I will do my best. Thank you for everything Grandpa! We will all miss you.

So sorry for your loss  

What a great person and family man

We will truly miss seeing him

Much love to his family

I don't really have the words. Craig was a good man to my mom, my sister, my brother, and I. He never complained about anything that we asked him to do. I remember him taking me pheasant hunting in west Texas when I was young and I shot at some birds that had cattle behind them. I'm sure some of them felt a pellets or two! He never got mad he just said, "lets watch what's behind what we're shooting!" Then many years later I asked Craig and mom about packing into the mountains to hunt elk, which is a huge undertaking if you have never been a part of it, it's no small ask. I said just think about it and we can discuss it more later.  Few weeks went by before I was back at the house, and I noticed all the new packing equipment. I needed help on a house remodel he was there! Misty needed a ride to treatment yep you guessed it he was there!  I have many memories of the trips into the mountains that I would not have without his help. I also have a knowledge that he taught me I can pass on to my kids and grandkids.  Thank you, Craig. Thank you, for being good to me my kids and all of our family you are and will be missed. 
Jason

Craig was quiet and humble and a very good person!! He always made you feel welcome. I’ll never forget the NFR party when they moved to the new house!! Several of our team roping family came and it was as always a great time ❤️. Praying for Brenda and the family that God will comfort them during this difficult time. 

Love Michael and Sharman Goodman

The very best Grandpa I could’ve asked for, and an even better Papa to my Lincy. 

No matter what stage of life I was in he was always my biggest supporter and so very proud of me. He always knew what to say and when to say it. He always kept me motivated to accomplish my goals, from graduating nursing school, becoming a mama, and even buying my first home. No matter what time of day I knew I could always call him and he’d come over to help me with a big smile on my face and say “Sages what have we gotten into now.” 

I just know you will be watching over all of us, and I know you’ll be cheering me on and smiling down at me and be helping me along the way. I’ll even make sure to keep that spare $20 dollars in my purse now for emergencies like you always scolded me to do. 
Love you forever 🤍

Brenda and family, my heart breaks for y'all. I can not imagine the pain in your heart. God has blessed us with a mind that can picture and recall all the wonderful memories. Your children , extended family, and all your friends will be there for you through the laughter and the tears. More than that God promises that we well all see each other again, plus no doubt Craig has gone to prepare a place for you.

Much love,

Jim & Patricia Summitt

Craig lived the Cowboy way— honest, loyal and tuff as they come. His friendship was a gift I will never forget. Ride high Cowboy.
Love, Richard and Lora Butcher

Not only Craig was our great friend, but he was also a fantastic horseman.  His ability to pick a good horse was one of his many qualities. If you asked him for help, he would always stay until the job was done. He was a great partner to haul with. He will be missed.
Bill & Donna Burns

Packing a bull elk out of the mountains in CO

Packing out after a long week of hunting in CO 
This picture is how I will forever remember Craig. A man that watched over and took care of the things and people he loved!

Very best Grandpa I could’ve ever asked for! There are so many good stories to pick from because Grandpa made sure I had a life time full of them. I will forever be thankful for every laugh and big ol Grandpa hug. Even when I would come over and absolutely tear apart his kitchen he’d just smile and ask what he could taste test. He was a good critic too! It wasn’t an approved recipe until it got the Grandpa stamp of approval!

Grandpa knew so much about food and outfitting there’s not much he couldn’t fix with the right seasonings or a BFR! One of our best trips was trail riding in New Mexico. Grandpa taught us the ropes of being a true cowboy, duct tape included! I will never forget my mule running off the trail up the mountain side so I’m terrified and screaming. When my mule finally stops Grandpa reminded me that I can simply get off and walk her down. When I got back to the trail he just giggled and said “saddle up!” I think he sure did take Scotty’s advice about “just leave they’ll figure it out” but I’m so grateful for every trip we had together. Rest easy Grandpa, we’ll figure it out down here and wait for the day we see you again!

Dear Brenda and family 
We have never met each other but your mom and I connected throu fb right aways 

I got the privilege to watch your mom and dad and you all love on family life 
Watching Craig be such a good sport warmed my heart ❤️ 

Keep on keeping those beautiful memories going and never forget the blessing you got from your dad 
Love Dixie-lynn

What your dad and mom had and still have the love and respect for each other 
It was beautiful watching it play out 

Thank you for letting join the ride 
Sending love and condolences to all of you 

From just a little old lady from Alberta
With a corgi called Waylon🩷

He taught me more then any school ever could .. He had a way of connecting with you that I can't explain..

OBITUARY

Craig Barton

July 18, 1955 – September 23, 2025

Eubank Funeral Home & Haven of Memories Memorial Park

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