Paul Humbard Craig

Paul Humbard Craig, 70, of died on April 7, 2014 at the Hospice Hubbard House West in South Charleston after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Paul was born on July 1, 1943, the sixth child of Clinton Humbard Craig (1909 – 1985) and Lottie Belle Beckner (1917 – 2004) in Robertsburg. The middle child in a coal mining family, Paul exhibited the truest example of committed work ethic, mountain spirituality, and a deep love and longing-standing loyalty for family and friends. On August 8, 1964, Paul was wed to Ella Louise “Sue” Higginbotham by the minister of Oma Chapel Church near Grimms Landing. It was the same church in which they had first met as young adults. Together they raised four girls not far from the little church, in the first of three homes hand-built by Paul. A retired welder from Boilermakers Local 667, Paul served as a long standing trustee of the historic pioneer Arbuckle Craig Douglass Cemetery in Mason County. As the years passed, Paul transitioned from forcing metal into to a deep love and care of wood, creating beautiful pieces for friends and family as well as building larger structures destined to last for many lifetimes. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton and Lottie, as well as sister, Marilyn (1951 – 1981) and brothers, Mark (1957 – 1977), and Darrell “Bub” (1937 – 2011). He is survived by his wife of forty-nine years, Ella, and his daughters Rhonda Craig-Schwarz (Robert) of Chapel Hill, NC, Shonda Wyckoff (Jason) of Columbus, OH, Shannon Blancett (Rick) of Gahanna, OH, and Shelley Whittington (Larry) of Buffalo. Carrying on Paul’s legacy and the recipients of much of his love are his grandchildren: Robert Aaron Schwarz, Lauren Blancett, Kaylyn Blancett, Mason Blancett, Beau Whittington, and Hunter Whittington. Also surviving are brothers Barton “Tat” Craig (Janet) of Leon, Wendall Craig(Ruby) of Buffalo, and Clinton “Danny” Craig (Wilma) of Leon as well as sisters Lottie “Eva” Buck (Paul) of Point Pleasant, Gail Buck (Burdell – Deceased) of Leon, Darlena Kirk (Taylor) of Grove City, Ohio, and Ernie Ruth Plant of Dunbar. Paul is also survived by an army of well loved nieces and nephews. Services will be held Saturday April 12 at 1:00pm at Chapman Funeral Home in Winfield, with Jim Hines officiating. The visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the Midway United Methodist Church at 3:00 p.m. Chapman Funeral Home, family-owned and located at 3624 Winfield Road, Winfield is honored to serve the Craig family. To share a memory of Paul or to express condolences, please visit www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Craig Douglass Cemetery Fund (See family representative for donation details), or Hubbard Hospice House at 1001 Kennawa Dr. Charleston WV 25311.

Paul Humbard Craig

July 1, 1943 - April 7, 2014