Gary Eugene Craig

Gary Eugene Craig, 80, of Sedalia, MO, passed away on Saturday March 7, 2026, at E.W. Thompson Health and Rehabilitation Center in Sedalia, Missouri. He was born on November 4, 1945 in Sedalia, Missouri the son of Willard Craig and Irene (Logan) Craig, who preceded him in death.

On October 26, 1968 in Sedalia, MO, he was united in marriage to Lydia Lucille Salmons, who preceded him in death on August 12, 2021.

Gary spent a lifetime perfecting his craft as a Master Plumber. He worked for union shops in Sedalia and the Kansas City area, eventually choosing to branch out on his own. He knew he could provide a better value for his customers, and a better living for the family he devoted himself to, all while maintaining his personal work ethic and strong Christian values. His business, "Craig Plumbing," flourished under his direction due to quality work and fair prices. A strong sense of competitiveness and determination meant that nobody could (or would) outwork him. Anyone who knew him heard the stories of his digging ability, a truly integral part of being a plumber. Many witnessed occasions where he and his nephew Donnie would team up and "outdig" a backhoe on sight to do the same job. Another story tells of how he once tunneled under a well known business in Sedalia to make a plumbing repair. He dug straight through for many hours, keeping 2 or 3 guys busy with wheelbarrows as they carted out the dirt and rocks that he chipped away at, refusing to take a break or let anyone else do the work. Gary dutifully served many residents and business owners in and around the Sedalia community for years, always providing great service and earning widespread respect. These stories and more will live on as his legacy to the public sector as well as the trades industry where most everyone knew his name.

Even more than his legacy as a tremendously hard worker and skilled tradesman, Gary was known as a solid Christian man, a devoted husband, a proud and loving father, and the best "PAPA" to those fortunate enough to get to call him that name.

Gary attended church regularly, and never failed to support the churches through tithing and service. He lived a life according to God's word, always giving God the glory for his successes. He sometimes got frustrated, but not angry. He voiced his opinions, but was never foul or belligerent. He led by example, and though he was very stern in his ways, he also had an incredible ability to forgive and love those who wronged him.

Gary loved his wife, Lucy, above all else. He never failed to care for her or provide her with the best life he could offer. He also never failed to tease and torment her, lovingly of course. Ask a family member to tell you the stories of fake spiders or rats, or crouching behind chairs waiting for the opportunity to jump out and give her a good scare!

Gary cared deeply for his children as well. He worked hard to provide them a good life and instilled important Christian values and lessons in them from an early age. He was a proud father who loved to tell stories of their accomplishments and always cherished quality time with each of them.

As with most grandparents, Gary's greatest joy seemed to be time spent with the grandkids. He had a close personal bond with each one of them and was never too tired to enjoy time with them. Some days it was pony rides across the living room, other times it was reading books or telling his own stories. Still other memories were made playing ball, tossing airplanes, throwing bean bags, playing tic-tac-toe, and riding four-wheelers and go-karts. There was never a dull moment at their home!

Gary always made time to care for others in his life as well. He was a loving son to his mother and visited her regularly. He spent many Sunday evenings playing cards with his brothers and often his sisters would stop by for a visit on those same nights. Occasionally a visiting cousin or other friend or family member would stop in and play a round with them as well.

Those blessed to know him personally have memories that will never fade. Gary was never too busy to help someone in need. His generous and loving spirit was demonstrated daily through his interactions with family, friends, and often even strangers. He lived a wonderful and proper life - one that any of us can and should be proud to be a part of, in any form or capacity. His absence leaves a tremendous mark on us all, and we look forward to being reunited with him and so many others who went before him.

Gary is survived by a son, Bobby Craig; two daughters, Jenny Studt (Michael) and Kelly Venable (Scott); seven grandchildren, Chelsi, Arial, Brianna, Ali, Dakota, Lexi, and Livi; and eight great grandchildren, Nevaeh, Wyatt, Brantley, Colton, Tucker, Ruby, Remington, and Amir; a sister Carolyn Birk of Cleveland, TN; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

In addition to his wife and parents, Gary was preceded in death by three brothers, Willard "Junior" Craig, Leonard Craig, and David Craig; a sister, Wilma Walker; a great granddaughter, Kayden Studt.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Rea Funeral Chapel with Pastor Paul Hughes officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel.

The burial will be at Crown Hill Cemetery, Sedalia, MO.

Pallbearers will be Michael Studt, Scott Venable, Bobby Craig, Donnie Craig, Dakota Venable, and Bradley Burton.

Honorary bearers will be Eddie Craig, Ralph Craig, Ronnie Craig, Cameron Netz, Dustin McCubbins, and Kollin Goodwin.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.