Anthony (Tony) O. Craigg

Anthony (Tony) O. Craigg, 70, quietly slipped into the arms of Jesus Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Mo., one week after suffering an accident at his home in Grove, Okla.

He was born on May 19, 1949, in Sand Springs, Okla., to Margaret Markle Craigg and Walter Craigg. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Martin Harris. Martin was a traveling salesperson so his family moved often throughout Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado. Changing locations so often helped Tony develop his charm and easy-going personality. He never met a stranger and could boast of having friends throughout the United States.

During the Viet Nam era, he joined the United States Army. He was trained as a Helicopter Gunner. It was during this period that he was exposed to Agent Orange which caused him to suffer many debilitating medical issues in his later life.

He was a born “fixer.” A man of many talents, he had a knack of knowing how things were put together and how to make repairs. Although he was a trained Mill Wright and was employed by various companies until retirement, he was well known to friends and family as either McGiver or Mr. Fix-It. He was a constant source of knowledge to friends and family.

He loved the outdoors and outdoor sports. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and loved to go camping. In short, he loved life and enjoyed anything that provided him time to be with friends and family. Recently buying his lake home in Grove was a dream come true. The last few months of his life were filled with joy. Nothing pleased him any more than to have his home filled with family and friends.

On Nov. 11, 1985, in Tulsa, Okla., he married, what he described as his biggest challenge, Anne Burnett. The Lord never brought two more opposites together. Despite their differences, the couple formed a union that even death will not separate.

On Aug. 31, 1990, the couple made their final home in Prairie Grove. He loved it there and quickly became involved in the community. A lifelong Christian, he was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Prairie Grove, and served as a church Elder. He was also a member of the House of Representatives for Life Ministries. He served as a member of the Planning Commission for the city of Prairie Grove and was a 32nd degree member of the Masonic Lodge.

He was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Lora Phillips.

Left to cherish his memory are, his wife, Anne and grandson, Kyzer Wilmer, of the home; son, Anthony O. Craigg Jr.; daughter, Colleen Marie Craigg; stepdaughter, Leslie Fall Leaf and husband, Chris; brother, James Harris and wife Patricia; sister, Tori harris; five grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many other loving family members.

Funeral services were held at the First Presbyterian Church of Prairie Grove on Oct 8, 2019 with the Rev. John King officiating. Serving as pallbearers were Bob Powell, Tyler Harris, Jeff Barnett, Steve Stills, Bob Sanford, and Jared Beck. Interment followed in the Prairie Grove Cemetery in Prairie Grove with Masonic Rites and Military Rites at graveside.

Nichols Stephens Funeral Service of Grove was in charge of arrangements.