Robert Franklin Craig, 82, of rural Ottumwa, died at 7:15 a.m. June 11, 2022 at Monroe County Hospital.
He was born October 6, 1939 in Lancaster, MO to Harvey Franklin and Ruth Bodkins Craig. He married Shirley Beasley November 16, 1958 at the Christiansburg Methodist Church.
Growing up in Bloomfield, Bob graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1958 where he was a state qualifying wrestler. He had helped Harold Guiter farm and had worked for Dewey Fur near Iowa City. Farming on his own since 1974, he raised horses, grew crops, operated a small cow/calf operation and raised hogs. Bob also worked for J.W. Edgerley’s for 10 years and was a mechanic.
He was a member of Blakesburg Christian Church, the Ottumwa Saddle Club and the Wapello County Sherriff Reserve. He enjoyed talking with people and was a radio talk show host at KLEE radio. Bob loved rodeo and he and his wife were leaders of the Hooves and Hats 4-H club.
Surviving is his wife Shirley; their three children, Randy Franklin (Linda) Craig of Alvarado, TX, Rodney Leroy (Suzi) Craig of Alvarado, TX and Rachel Melinda (Travis) Jenkins of Fairfax, MO; six grandchildren, Steven (Courtney), Jason, Suzin, Shelby, Rylee and Raylynn; three great grandchildren, Adrienne, Landyn and Blayklee; two sisters, Bonnie Stookesberry, Dorothy Lemonds; and a brother, David Craig.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Judy Ware.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 17th at Reece Funeral Home. For those unable to attend, you may view the service live on the Reece Funeral Home Facebook page. Burial will be in Ralston Cemetery.
His family will be present at the funeral home to greet friends one hour prior to the service on Friday.
Memorials may be to Wapello County 4-H.
