Basil Clair Craig, 87, Eagleville, MO passed away Friday, October 9, 2015 at his home.
He was born on Oct. 10, 1927 in Decatur County the son of Clair Wayne “Buck” and Ruby Evelyn (Blakesley) Craig at their home east of Davis City, IA. He had one brother, Harold who was born in 1929. The family lived in and around Davis City until they moved to a farm east of Weldon, IA in 1936. In 1939 his parents purchased a farm south of Cainsville, MO where Basil attended high school and graduated in 1947. It was there that he met his high school sweetheart, Barbara Ann Weable whom he married on January 4, 1948. She survives of the home.
Basil loved farming. To him that was the only way to live. He took great pleasure in working the fields and tending to his livestock. Most of the farms where he and Barbara lived were in Harrison County, MO, with a few years in Mercer County, MO.
He was an honorary member of the North Harrison FFA and had been involved in the Pawnee Pepper 4H Club. Basil drove a school bus for the North Harrison school for 16 ½ years. The children’s safety was of great importance to him. He enjoyed the children and he could relate many experiences he had as a school bus driver. Basil was a quiet man, for the most part, but he could speak out.
He believed in God, but mostly his religion was between himself and the Lord. He attended the Community of Christ Church in Andover, MO, where he and his wife were both active members. He served in many capacities.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, 3 sisters-in-law, 2 brothers-in-law, a niece, nephew and infant great granddaughter.
He was a blessing to all those who knew and loved him.
Additional survivors are four children: Kenneth Lee (Marilyn), Allen Eugene (Peggy), Nancy Diane and Maurice Clair (Lila); 15 grandchildren plus step grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. They opened their home to many others; Bob Stobbe (Brenda) made his home with them from 1970 to 1974. A niece and two nephews; Kathy (Wes) Darnell, Jamie and Joe (Jane) Fraizer came to live with them in 1976, after the death of their mother, Charlotte (Barb’s sister).
Celebration of Life will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 13, at the Eagleville Christian Church, Eagleville, MO. Burial will follow in the Allen Cemetery, Eagleville, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday at Roberson Funeral Home, Eagleville, MO where friends may call after 3:00 p.m. Monday. Memorials may be made to the Allen Cemetery and/or North Harrison FFA Chapter in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Eagleville, MO 64442. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.