Franklin J Craig, Raised in Weed Heights, Yerington, & Mason Valley ~ Passes Away ~ 1947-2023

August 5, 1947 – January 28, 2023

Franklin J Craig blasted into this world at full throttle on August 5, 1947. He was born in Leadville, Colorado to Silas and Connie Craig.

Frank was raised in Weed Heights, Nevada, where he attended elementary, middle and high schools. He participated in little league baseball. He was also a member of the football and track teams at Yerington High. Go Lions!

After graduating from high school in 1965, he joined the Marines on June 9 of that same year. On March 10, 1966, Frank left Camp Pendleton, California aboard the USS Gordon, to report for duty in Da Nang, Viet Nam. After completing his tour of service in Viet Nam, LCpl Frank Craig reported to Marine Barracks Lake Mead Base, Las Vegas, Nevada. He received his Honorable Discharge on June 8, 1971.

Frank moved to Olympia, Washington after his military service. While living in Olympia he completed an Associate of Technical Arts Degree at Centralia College on December 10, 1971. Shortly after, he moved to Boise, Idaho with his wife and young daughter. He was employed by Boise State Department of Transportation as a computer programmer.

Frank always wanted to be a teacher so he returned to College and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Boise State University on December 22, 1977. He continued his education and received a Master of Arts in Education on August 11, 1989. He taught high school English at Homedale High School from 1980 to 2001. Frank loved teaching and his students. One of his students stated, “Mr. Craig taught from his heart and soul.” He cherished the many, many letters from students thanking him for his guidance.

Frank had great respect for the Boise Peace Officers and became involved in the Idaho Peace Officer Memorial (IPOM) organization. For five years Frank was the driving force behind the IPOM Fun Run, raising funds in support of families of fallen Peace Officers.

Frank loved to cook and at times donated a 5 coarse gourmet dinner for auction to raise funds for charity. He was an avid hunter, loved to fish, and enjoyed cooking at “Elk Camp”.

Frank was proud of his Scottish heritage and played the bagpipes. It was always a joy to hear him play.

The greatest loves of his life were his two children, Carmen and Jody.

Frank passed away at St Alphonsus Hospital in Nampa, Idaho after a short illness. He is survived by his daughter, Carmen (William) Perez; his sisters Shirley (Paul) Pearson and Cheryl (Clint) Cloud. He is also survived by several grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved son, Jody.