Robert Harold Craig was born August 23, 1948 in Batesville, Indiana to Harold Herman and Kathryn Pauline Craig. Robert served in the United States Army during Vietnam. He married Valerie Lee Richards in 1984. Robert worked as a machinist and forklift operator in a machine shop.

Robert was a family man who dearly loved his grandchildren. They will remember his willingness to help people and animals alike. He loved to fish and enjoyed models, puzzles and dirt track racing.

Robert loved to bowl and had a special talent for bowling; he was two weeks away from becoming a professional bowler when a back injury halted that dream.

Robert departed this life Monday, August 23, 2021 in Muskogee, OK at the age of 73 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Valerie Craig; his parents, Harold and Kathryn Craig; a great-grandson, Steven James Powers III and a brother, Danny William Craig.

Survivors include his daughter, Deneta Pong and Joe Fisher and her children, Shannon Pong, Timber Pong, Mitchell Pong and Morgan Lipp;  son Jo Richards and wife, Laura and their children, Jeannie, Izzy, Jesse, Bradley and Angela; son William Craig and wife Nicole and their children, Emma Craig, Weston Craig, Skillar Craig and Johnny Craig; six great-grandchildren; extended family and friends.

A visitation will be held Friday evening from 5-7 pm at Mallett Funeral Home in Wagoner.

The funeral service will be at 10 am Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, OK. The Reverend Avery McGee will officiate.

Following the committal service Robert will be laid to rest beside his wife, Valerie, a Vietnam veteran in her own right. Pallbearers will be William Craig, Jo Richards, Chuck Haynes and Adam Trussell.