Charles P. Craig

Charles “Chuck” Page Craig, 84, a resident of Urbana, Ohio, passed away on November 2, 2021 at Vancrest of Urbana where he was under hospice care.

Chuck was born in Urbana on February 21, 1937 to A. Mabel Legge and E. Page Craig. Growing up here he followed his three lifelong passions beyond his family: football, service to others and aviation. Through tenacity and determination, he became the center for the undefeated UHS football team of 1953 as a junior and then went on to be named All-Star Center in the Central Buckeye Conference League the following year.

His life of serving others began early through various Methodist Church activities and scouting. He worked hard to achieve his Eagle Scout rank and attended several jamborees. Chuck later passed this love of scouting on by becoming a scout leader himself.

Chuck’s third lifelong passion began when he got his private pilot’s license at Grimes Field at an early age, which would lead him to pursue an education in aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach, Fl). The career that followed encompassed aviation technician, pilot training, management and ownership of an FBO, and even becoming an FAA inspector. He also served in the United States Naval Air Reserves for 6 years as a crew chief in R-5D cargo/transport aircraft. In addition, he pursued his commercial license with rotor craft endorsement which opened up a whole new series of adventures. In the 60’s he became one of the first helicopter pilots for WHIO radio and television, where he was an integral part of the air assessment team for events such as the devastating tornado in Xenia, Ohio in 1974. Shortly afterward, Chuck was given the opportunity to relocate to a new aviation facility in Englewood, CO. This eventually led to ownership of his own aviation maintenance company, Arapahoe Aero at Centennial Airport.

Chuck managed to marry the love of his life, Sandy, a fellow UHS grad and they were happily married for 63 years until her recent passing this fall.

After their children grew up, Chuck and Sandy began another career - chocolatiers. Chuck was the chef and was trained by the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. This enabled them to create confections for their various stores in Colorado, Arizona and Ohio (Buckeye Chocolates).

Chuck was an active member and officer of various Lion’s Clubs and Sertomas.

Being a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle were most important to Chuck and he will be sorely missed. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Cindy Craig Neer; his wife, Dr. Sandra Geer Craig; and his beloved Cairn, Cassie.

Chuck is survived by his sister, Jean (Ken) Niederhausen and their family; daughter, Terri (Ken) Harjes and their daughter, Caitlin Harjes “little bug”; son, Troy (Melina) Craig and their children, Austin Craig, Aly Craig, Mady (Doug) Brodhagen, Emmy Craig and Abby Craig; great-grandchildren, Codie and Everett “Lt Evy Chicken Hawk” Craig; and his extended family.

One of the greatest tributes to Chuck is the very predictable greeting to his grandchildren, “Well, hello there!” Which would make their day.

In accordance with Chuck’s wishes, no memorial service will be scheduled and cremation has taken place. Memorial gifts may be sent to the ASPCA or Hospice of Dayton. Arrangements in care of Walter & Lewis Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.walterfunerals.com.