Robert “Bob” Dean Craig passed away Sunday, August 5, 2018 surrounded
by his loving family at Highland Park Care Center.
He was born December 10, 1944 at St Joseph’s Hospital in Alliance, Nebraska
to Irvin S Craig and Marjorie I (Taylor) Craig. He spent his childhood raised in
Alliance on the family farms west of Alliance and north by the 16 mile corner.
In 1960 the family relocated to Whitney, NE where he continued to farm with
his dad north of Whitney. In 1967 he attended mechanic school in Denver Co
then moved to Gillette WY and worked for Stockmans Ford Motor Company
as an auto mechanic. In 1971 he bought the Texaco filling station in Chadron
Ne. This is when he met Sheila Teresa Hunter (his sweetie) and they were
married September 23, 1972. Their first child, Traci Leigh arrived in 1973,
followed by their 2nd child Scott Robert, in 1975. Bob then accepted a job
with Burlington Northern as a carman March 1976 and the family moved to
Hemingford. They welcomed their youngest daughter Jennifer Doris in 1977.
His career with Burlington Northern then took the family to Crawford from
1979 to 1989. In 1989 the family moved to Alliance and this became “home”
for the past 29 years.
To know dad was to have a lifelong friend. Affectionately known as Boogedy Bob
amongst his coworkers, he was never known not to have a joke or a smile for
anyone. He retired in February, 2006 after 30 years of service from BNSF. His
picture was displayed with a car pusher in the headquarters for IMTCU in Rockville,
Maryland while he was a Carman for BNSF. He thought that was really neat. He
never knew a stranger and always had a friendly hello for everyone. He was full of
funny stories and jokes, could make anyone laugh with his goofiness. He loved his
classic cars and hotrods, belonged to the 385 Cruisers car club, a huge supporter
of his son and his racing days at the speedway. He was also a member of the Eagles
Club. He enjoyed his yardwork, his 4th child 1968 GTO (the goat) and fishing, camping
and hunting with family and friends. Most all of all he loved his family. He was an
amazing husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Bob is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sheila at home, children Traci Craig
(Troy Strang), Scott (Meg) Craig and Jennifer Stinson (Robbie Orozco) all of Alliance
NE. His siblings Loyd Andrews of Kearney NE, Darrel Craig of Gillette WY, Ardith
Robison of Lincoln NE, Larry Craig (Luana) of Bridgeport WV, Gary Craig (Sherry)
of Dalton Ne, Mary Martin (Dennis) Elmo Mt, and Loren Craig Mitchell SD, his 11
grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother-in-law,
Marlene Rinker of Chadron NE, numerous nieces and nephews and the many friends
he made throughout his life.
Preceding Bob in death were his parents, father in law Dick Rinker, sister, Carol Craig
Cisneros, brother, Lyle Craig.
Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at the United Methodist
Church in Alliance with Jeanie Sedivy officiating. Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 1-7 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Shane Dye Medical account at
Consumers Cooperative Federal Credit Union for his continued care. Shane is a friend
close to dad’s heart and to our family.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com. Bates-Gould Funeral Home
is in charge of the arrangements.