Obituary of Wayne O. Craig

Lt. Col. (ret.) Wayne O. Craig, age 77 of Youngstown, died Sunday, February 21, 2016 at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport. Wayne was born and brought up in Galva, IL, son of the late Vern and Jessie (Headstrom) Craig. He was a direct descendent of William Craig, Jr. who came with his family from Scotland to Ryegate, Vermont in 1764. After attending Northrop Aeronautical Institute, he joined the U.S. Air Force and became a fighter pilot. Wayne married Judi E. (Carmichael) Craig and they brought up their three children while traveling the country. A Veteran of Vietnam, Wayne flew the F-102 fighter. He joined the 107th FIG NYANG in 1971 and retired in 1993 with the rank of Lt. Col. During his career he flew many Jets, his last being the F-16. Wayne received many medals during his career, among them the Distinguished Flying Cross. His life was dedicated to serving his country. He was proud to be an American. In his retirement Wayne enjoyed gardening, building cars, furniture, TV’s, and model airplanes. He flew his planes at Reservoir Park with the Wings & Rotor Model Airplane Club. His wife and children Debi and Tim, have stood by his side since 2001 while he fought a courageous battle with numerous cancers. His family wants to thank Dr. Robert Bull and his staff for their compassionate care. Wayne died like he lived, his way. In addition to his wife, Judi, he is survived by his daughter, Debi Craig (Richard) Shane and their daughters, Stephanie, Rebecca, and Erica; son Daniel and his children, Amber and Andrew and their mother, Karen Rosholt; son Timothy J. (Jennifer) and their daughter, Kelsie; also many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia (James) Simpson. A private family graveside service with Military Honors will be conducted in Hampden, Maine. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Niagara County SPCA, 2100 Lockport Rd., Niagara Falls, NY 14304, in memory of Wayne’s beautiful dog “KC”. Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston, NY.