Odos Charles Craig, 92, died September 16, 2011, at 2:46 pm at Lima Memorial Hospital.
Mr. Craig was born September 4th, 1919, in Logan Township, Auglaize County, the son of Chauncey C. and Frieda Marie Walther Craig. On July 3, 1940, he married Rosemary Frost, who survives in Lima, and recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary.
He was co-owner of the Hume Elevator and Gomer Farm Store for many years and also served as president and director for Hume Supply, Inc., a commercial construction company. He was a member of Bethlehem Christian Union Church where he served as Leading Elder, Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, Chairman of the Church Building Committee and Director of Music for 45 years. Mr. Craig also served many years on the Christian Union General Mission Board and various other state boards. He was a member and former president of the Fort Shawnee Lions Club. In 2002, Mr. Craig received the Melvin Jones Award from Lions Foundation for Humanitarian Service. He was a member of the Lima Beane Chorus, BPOE Chapter 54, Lima Power Squadron, Aircraft Owners Pilot Association, Buckland Men’s Fellowship, and served as president and member of the Buckland Telephone Company Board of Directors.
He was a graduate of Shawnee High School Class of 1938 and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2001. He attended Miami University, Bliss Business College, and Aviation School. During World War II, Mr. Craig served as a primary flight instructor in Decatur, AL. He also served as a private flying instructor and was a pilot for TWA airlines. He was a charter member of the Hume Volunteer Fire Department. He was a building contractor in the Lima Area for 42 years. He counted it a privilege to help design and promote the Lima Senior Citizens Center of which he was also a member. During the winter season, he participated in the Harmoneers Chorus and attended North Lakeland Presbyterian Church in Lakeland, Florida.
Mr Craig will be remembered as a man of many talents. He had skills in music, photography, farming, boating, gardening, flying, fish farming, whistling, mechanics, electricity, carpentry, and many other areas. His family saw him as a wise and humble man who was ready to help in any endeavor. He was a good and faithful servant to his church, his community, and his family.
Survivors include two daughters, Carol L (John) Thomas, and Connie L (Robert) Houser, five grandchildren: Aaron (Laura) Houser, Samantha (Jason) Casey, Lucas (Tara) Houser, William Bodeen, and Joshua (Kari) Houser, 12 great grandchildren: Keith, Tyler, Grant, and Daron Houser, Monica and Mackenzie Cox, Becka, Brandi, and Steven Casey, Abigail and Nathan Houser, Tavian Bodeen.
Services will begin at 1:00 pm on Tuesday at the Bethlehem Christian Union Church. Rev. Brad Colley and Rev. Ed Shady will officiate. Burial will be in the Ft. Amanda Cemetery and military rites will be provided by V. F. W. Post 8445.
Friends may call from 10:30am to 1pm at the Bethlehem Christian Union Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bethlehem Christian Union Church, 09005 National Road, Wapakoneta, OH 45895.