Gary Kent Craig, 86, of Sparta, IL; born on August 15, 1940 in Tilden, IL the son of Robert J. and Helen M. (née, Hamilton) Craig; passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Gary graduated from Sparta High School and continued his education at SEMO for two years.  Being devoted to music, Gary played in the band while attending high school and college.  He worked for Randolph Service Company for 10 years before leaving and starting at Peabody Coal Company where he eventually became Safety Manager and was trainer for the mine rescue team. He retired after 25 years.  Gary did not stay retired long, starting his new job with Marissa Heating and Air Conditioning where he worked another 10 years.  After marrying Rebecca, Gary became a member of Marissa Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder for many years and was granted Elder Emeritus status in 2010.  Gary used his gifts in the church, taught Sunday school and sang in the choir for many years.  Gary enjoyed bowling and golfing with his family and friends, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family.  Gary loved to travel and enjoyed camping and float trips with the Heil and Craig clan.  He took many trips and cruises with Becky after retirement and an annual trip to Branson with the grandkids was among his favorites.  Gary loved his country and was also an avid Mizzou Tiger fan.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 64 years – Rebecca (née, Heil) Craig of Sparta, IL to whom he married June 30, 1962 at Marissa Presbyterian Church; one son – Gary R. (Danette) Craig of St. Charles, MO; three daughters – Kristine (Scott) Lollar of Edwardsville, IL, Melinda (Ralph) Clendenin of Columbia, MO, and Susan (James) Watt of Sparta, IL; eight grandchildren – Ashley Craig, Andrew (Madeline) Lollar, Korinne (Brenden) Rolens, Brad (Jodie) Clendenin, Brett Clendenin, Summer (Isaac) Anderson, Brittany (Casey) Warren, and Braden (Ashley) Watt; eleven great grandchildren – Calvin Lollar, Emma Lollar, Allison Lollar, Cooper Lollar, Thelma Rolens, Clyde Rolens, Charlotte Clendenin, Henry Clendenin, Harrison Clendenin, Parker Watt, and Paisley Watt; two sisters-in-law – Carol Craig and Ester Craig, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; older brother and twin brother – Robert D. Craig and Larry R. Craig.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Marissa Presbyterian Church.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.heilschuessler.com.

The Visitation will be held at the Marissa Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.  Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor James Ryan officiating. Interment will take place at Caledonia Cemetery in Sparta.

Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL is in charge of arrangements

1. Curtis Paul Lawson says:

   09/10/2026 at 2:20 pm

   Though the Craigs and the Lawsons did not socialize together much, our families were friendly with one another. Kris and I both took piano lessons from Mrs Mines. My father played on a men’s softball team with Gary, his father in law Daryl and his 3 Heil brothers-in-law. I do remember that we kids went to the Sparta movie theatre with the Craig kids and Nicole Perry to see Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind when it was first out. I laughed hysterically at a funny scene and Gary Jr laughed because I was laughing. The Craig family and our family also had a connection going back another generation as Gary’s folks and my dad’s folks knew each other in West Frankfort.

   I pray that the Craig clan are comforted with the many great memories and love they shared with Gary and the heavenly eternal hope that is found in Christ alone.

   Reply
2. Mary Beth Sinn (Mary Whitmore) says:

   09/07/2026 at 1:02 am

   Sending love and prayers. Cherish the memories! Growing up on S. Euclid has left many wonderful memories of family and friends in the neighborhood and all our adventures!

   Reply
3. Alan & Paulette Ashbrook says:

   09/01/2026 at 3:33 pm

   So sorry to hear this. Know you are all in our prayers!

   Reply
4. Steve and Gayle Schuessler says:

   09/01/2026 at 9:58 am

   Sorry to hear of Gary’s passing our condolences and prayers to Becky and the family.

   Reply
5. Larry McGuire says:

   08/31/2026 at 9:04 pm

   Suncerest condolences.

   Reply
6. Theresa Patton says:

   08/31/2026 at 3:49 pm

   We will miss seeing Gary at the Bulldogs basketball games, he was a great fan. Condolences to the family. Marty and Theresa Patton.

   Reply
7. Maureen Holcomb says:

   08/31/2026 at 11:57 am

   Prayers for God’s peace and mercy and praise for the life of devotion Gary showed. May Christ fill all your hearts with joy in memories. Maureen Holcomb

   Reply
8. Loren and Lynn Schmierbach says:

   08/31/2026 at 10:57 am

   So sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort.

   Reply
9. Sue Czachowski says:

   08/31/2026 at 7:37 am

   Kris. Sending our condolences to you, Scott and family on the death of your dad. Prayers for your mom as well.
   Hugs from the Czachowski’s to all.

   Reply
10. Claudia Kerens says:

    08/30/2026 at 11:04 pm

    Condolences, sympathies and prayers for the family.

    Reply