Verne Craig

Verne L. Craig, 83, of Topeka, passed away peacefully August 19, 2008 at Midland Hospice House. He was born March 13, 1925 in Varner, Kansas, the son of James Herbert and Zula (Thornsberry) Craig. Verne graduated from Kingman High School in 1942. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946 with the last year on a weather ship in the South Pacific. He served during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953 in Adak, Alaska and Memphis, Tennessee. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Reserve Midshipmen’s School in Chicago, Illinois in 1945 where he received his commission as a Second Lieutenant. He remained in the Naval Reserves until retiring in 1966. Verne attended Kansas University and graduated in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. He worked for the Kansas Department of Transportation in 1949 and served in the Transportation Planning Department until her retired in 1987 as Chief of Transportation Planning. Verne was a member of the Crestview United Methodist Church. He was member of the Kansas Engineering Society, National Society of Civil Engineers. He was a member of the Moose Lodge 555 and Post No. 400 of the American Legion. He was a member of Topeka Orient Lodge No. 17, Topeka Scottish Rite and Arab Shrine. Verne married Evelyn June McMillan on October 16, 1949. She preceded him in death on September 18, 1991. Also preceding him in death was one sister, Helen (Craig) McClure and a brother, Howard L. Craig. Survivors include a son, James Allen Craig of Topeka, a daughter, Lana Kay (Craig) Stockdale and her husband, Dave of Colorado Springs; two grandchildren, Brian Guy Stockdale and Lindsey June Stockdale of Colorado Springs. Other survivors include two sisters, Valda (Craig) Moorhead and her husband Richard of Roscoe, Texas and Joy A. (Craig) Stewart of Cedar Park, Texas. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. Viewing will be held at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road; Thursday, August 21, 6 to 8 PM. Services will be held at Crestview United Methodist Church, 2245 SW Eveningside Dr., Friday, August 22, 10 AM. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Midland Hospice House, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka KS 66606.

Verne Craig

March 13, 1925 - August 21, 2008