Craig

Thomas Arthur Craig, 80, of Meridian, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, at Butler Memorial Hospital after a brief battle with pneumonia. He left this life for one in eternity.

He was born in Butler, on Jan. 29, 1943. He was the beloved son of the late Jackson Craig and Ethyl (Mack) Craig.

Tom was a graduate of Butler High School Class of 1961 and New Castle Business College. He was well known in the community for his fundraising company, which he was involved with in his early career and which gave him the opportunity to work with many high school athletic programs throughout Western Pennsylvania.

The Craig home in Meridian also was known as the place to visit for treats on Halloween. Kids from all over would travel for giant sample-size candy bars and Oh Henry! bars.

Later in his career, Craig went on to be self-employed as a manufacturer’s representative for General Partitions, Bobrick Accessories and many other companies working with local contractors, prisons and universities.

Tom Craig married his high school sweetheart, the former Carol Kienzle, on April 30, 1966, in Butler. The couple shared a lifetime love of dancing to the oldies and were regulars at the Meridian Vets Club and Tanglewood dances. They also shared a love of sports and didn’t miss a single activity of their two children or five grandchildren in their 57 years together.

Tom was the proud father of two children, Kelly (John) Giles of Butler, and Tom (Monica) Craig of Grove City. He also had five grandchildren.

Tom was very active in the Butler Jaycees in his earlier years, was a member of the Butler Elks Lodge, and was a former president of the Butler County Christopher Gist Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. He especially enjoyed being on the committee for the Class of 1961 high school reunion and looked forward to planning the golf outing and seeing his fellow classmates each year. He also attended Community Alliance Church.

He will forever be remembered as a chauffeur before Uber, as he was the driver for everything. He always ended Grace with “Praise the Lord,” and his corny jokes and funny one-liners could literally fill the pages of a book. His love for pie, ice cream and all things sweet will never be forgotten.

To quote his favorite Bible verse, John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

CRAIG — Per his request, there will be no public visitation for Thomas Arthur Craig, who died Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023. A private celebration of life will be held by his family.

Memorial donations may be given to Lifesteps Family Caring Fund at 383 New Castle Road, Butler, Pa.

Private funeral arrangements have been entrusted to BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER OF CONNOQUENESSING TOWNSHIP, 856 Evans City Road, Renfrew.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.