William Leon Craig

William "Bill" Leon Craig, 85, of Topeka, passed away on Monday, August 16, 2010 at a Topeka hospital. He was born on June 13, 1925 in Winfield, KS, the son of John W. and Grace Markley Craig. At the age of 5, his father died. A few years later, his mother married Charles Craig, a brother to his father and someone he treasured as a great dad. He graduated from Wellsville High School in 1943.

In September of 1943, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Bill served with the Hdq. Squadron, MAG 14, 1st Auxiliary. He was deployed to the South Pacific, serving in the Solomon Islands, invasion of the Philippines, and the invasion of Okinawa. He was discharged in March, 1946. While stationed at Mojave, CA, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Louise Eye on May 6, 1944 at San Bernardino, CA. She survives.

He was employed by Gerber Products Company as a sales representative for 32 years before retiring in 1987. Bill was a member of Highland Heights Christian Church where he was an elder emiratus. He served the Boy Scouts of America for 25 years as Cub Master, Scout Master and District Commissioner. He was an active member of the Kaw Valley Woodcarvers since 1986, having served as President and Show Chairman. He was a also a member of Golden Rule Lodge No. 90 AF&AM where he received his 50 year pin and a member of Capitol Post No. 1 of the American Legion. He as an active member and past Commandant of the General Lewis W. Walt Detachment Marine Corps League. After the 1966 tornado destroyed the trees in Central Park, Bill was instrumental in a drive to secure donations to help replace the trees.

Besides his wife, Betty, other survivors include his son, Dr. William E. (Jean) Craig of San Antonio, TX, his daughter, Deborah (Joe) McCullough of Parker, CO, three grandchildren; Dr. Ann (Dr. Doug) Befroy of Branford, CT, James Craig of Houston, TX, and Andrew Craig of San Antonio, TX, one sister, Colette (George) Miller of Wellsville, KS and two nieces. He was preceded in death by his brother, Bob Craig.

Bill will lie in state after 3:00 p.m. Friday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. where the family will receive friends from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Wellsville Cemetery, Wellsville, KS. Memorial services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Highland Heights Christian Church, SE 29th and Tecumseh Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Highland Heights Christian Church, 2930 SE Tecumseh Rd., Tecumseh, KS 66542 or to the Scholarship Fund of the Marine Corps League c/o General Lewis W. Walt Det., P.O. Box 67582, Topeka, KS 66607. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.