Anthony Oral (Tony) Craigg

Anthony (Tony) O. Craigg, age 70, quietly slipped into the arms of Jesus Friday, October 4, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri, one week after suffering an accident at his home in Grove, Oklahoma. On May 19, 1949, Tony was born in Sand Springs, Oklahoma to Margaret Markle Craigg and Walter Craigg. Tony was raised by his mother and step father, 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, Tony joined the United States Army. He was trained as a Helicopter Gunner. It was during this period that Tony was exposed to Agent Orange which caused him to suffer many debilitating medical issues in his later life. Tony 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, Tony 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. Without exception, he was eager to share and help whenever requested. He loved the outdoors and outdoor sports. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. Tony loved to go camping and to ride jet skies with Kyzer. In short, Tony loved life and enjoyed anything that provided him time to be with friends and family. Recently buying his lake home in Grove, Oklahoma was a dream come true. The last few months of his life were filled with joy. Many weekends and evenings were spent on his deck overlooking Grand Lake. Nothing pleased him any more than to have his home filled with friends. However, as the evenings drew to a close, he was ready for alone time with his beloved wife, Anne, and grandson, Kyzer. That was when he was most content and happiest. On November 11, 1985, in Tulsa, OK, Tony 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 August 31, 1990, the couple made their final home in Prairie Grove. Tony loved it there and quickly became involved in the community. A lifelong Christian, Tony 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. Tony served as a member of the Planning Commission for the city of Prairie Grove and was a 32nd degree member of the Masonic Lodge. Left to cherish Tony's memory: wife, Anne and grandson, Kyzer Wilmer, of the home; Son, Anthony O. Craigg, Jr.; Daughter, Colleen Marie Craigg; Step Daughters, Lora Phillips (deceased), Leslie Fall Leaf, and husband, Chris; brother, James Harris and wife Patricia, sister: Tori harris, Five grandchildren, several great grand children, and many other loving family members. Visitation will be held 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, October 7, at the Luginbuel Funeral Home in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Funeral services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Prairie Grove, Arkansas at 2 p.m. Tuesday Oct 8, 2019. Reverend John King will officiate. Serving as pallbearers will be Bob Powell, Tyler Harris, Jeff Barnett, Steve Stills, Bob Sanford, and Jared Beck. Interment will follow in the Prairie Grove Cemetery in Prairie Grove, Arkansas Masonic Rites and Military Rites will be performed at graveside. Arrangements entrusted to Nichols Stephens Funeral Service of Grove, OK.