Curtis D. Craig

Curtis Dee Craig passed from this life July 29, 2019 at the age of 87. He was born January 20, 1932 in Elgin, TX to Dee and Alma Craig.
Curtis graduated from Elgin High School on May 24, 1949. He went on to join the United States Navy on January 16, 1951 where he worked as a trained Cryptographer for four years and served in the Korean War, before being honorably discharged in November of 1954. Curtis married the love of his life, Ruth Marianne Portus, on April 18, 1953 in Redmond, WA. Upon his release from the Navy, Curtis used a G.I. bill he was awarded to further his education. He went on to attend Electronic Technical Institute College of Engineering in Inglewood, CA in 1957, and later attended San Jose City College and San Jose University, where he obtained degrees in engineering. He used these degrees and his experience to work as a civilian in the Navy and served until his retirement from US Navy Civilian Service at Tinker AFB on June 29, 1983. Following his retirement from Federal Service, Curtis accepted a position as a logistics engineer on the B-2 Stealth Bomber development program at Northrop Aircraft Company in Pico Rivera, southern California.
Curtis and Ruth made Oklahoma their home in 1977 after many years of moves around the US and were blessed with 59 years of marriage before Ruth’s passing on April 16, 2012. They enjoyed traveling in their RV while doing the genealogy research work that they both enjoyed in retirement. Curtis was a member of Franklin United Methodist Church and enjoyed attending the Sunday morning services. He had the true heart of a servant and was dedicated to attending church until 2017, when his health began to decline. Although Curtis struggled with Alzheimer’s and dementia in more recent years, he never forgot the important keys of life. Curtis never failed to offer a seat to someone standing; a meal to someone hungry; a hand to someone in need; a joke to one without a smile. He knew that his faith, family, and career were the most important things to him, no matter how much he struggled on any given day.
His favorite hobby was taking road trips with his beloved dog, Tyson. Before Tyson’s passing on March 18, 2018, the two were inseparable. Tyson needed Curtis just as much as Curtis needed Tyson and they brought each other an incredible amount of joy, and maybe a little trouble! In addition, Curtis enjoyed watching old movies, and doing anything outdoors. Most recently, he found the greatest joy in simply sitting on his patio, soaking up the sun and cracking jokes to his family and caregivers. The world is forever a better place because Curtis lived here. For 87 years, his passion and purpose were to improve the lives of those around him. A permanent print of his kindness, wittiness, and love will linger forever in so many of the hearts he touched. A faithful husband, loving father and grandfather, Curtis will be missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in passing by his parents, and his loving wife, Ruth Marianne Craig; infant son James (Jimmy) Craig and brother John Craig

He is survived by his son, Brian Craig of Moore; daughter, Karen Craig Smith-Grant and husband Michael of Oklahoma City; grandchildren, Kelli Stephens and husband Tyler of Mustang and Kirk Smith and wife Kimberly of Mustang; great-grandchildren, Rylan and Finn Stephens; brother, Henry Craig and wife Betty of Mountain View, AR. He is also survived by his beloved cat, Baby Girl #2, who brought him so much laughter and joy over the years. In addition, Curtis is survived by a host of loving extended family and friends.

A special thank you to the loyal caregivers who enabled Curtis to live at home during his final years. The family thanks you all!

Visitation for Curtis is 4:00pm to 8:00pm, Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at Resthaven Funeral Home, 500 SW 104th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73139. Services are 10:00am, Thursday, August 1, 2019 at the Chapel at Resthaven. Interment will follow at Blackburn Cemetery in Norman. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oklahoma Alzheimer’s Association or to an animal shelter of your choice. Condolences may be shared at www.ResthavenOkc.com.