1925 -- 2023
Gene Craig of Renton, WA passed away on Feb. 13, 2023. He was born to Roy and Alzina Craig on Sept. 13, 1925, in Peshastin, WA.
Gene graduated from Quincy High School at the age of 16, attended Central Washington College, and earned a Doctor of Education from the University of Washington. Gene spent 34 years in public education as a teacher, principal and administrator in Renton and retired from Highline School District as Assistant Superintendent of Instruction. He proudly served as president of the Washington Education Association and was a lifetime member of the National Education Association.
During WWII, Gene served in the Army Air Corps (today’s Air Force) as a Second Lieutenant and a bombardier instructor.
His community activities included serving on the Renton Library Board, membership in the Kennydale Lions Club, and St. Matthews Lutheran Church.
Gene enjoyed traveling, spending time on Whidbey Island and in Alaska, visiting with family and watching sports, especially the Mariners, Seahawks and UW women’s basketball. Gene looked forward to playing monthly games of poker with his poker buddies—with breaks only when the fish were jumping!
He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Judy, his sons Cody (Tina), Kevin, daughter Marcie, granddaughters Corrie Craig and Jennifer Tausinga (Rich). He is also survived by his stepchildren, Derek Barnes (Denise) and Kelly Warner (Blake), five great grandchildren and extended family. He is preceded in death by his first wife of 32 years, Norma, and his five siblings.
Gene will be remembered for his compassion, gentle sense of humor, love of the outdoors, and insatiable curiosity. He was a voracious reader and had mastered the ability to watch live sports on TV, read a book, and explore with his iPad at the same time! He will be missed by his family and many friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 25 at 2 pm, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 1700 Edmonds Ave. N.E., Renton, WA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Nature Conservancy ( Washingtonnature.org ) or St. Matthews