Lee Rolland Craig, 84, a Brookings, Ore., resident for the past 24 years, died July 2, 2004 in a local hospital. He was born Aug. 4, 1919, in Esbon, Kan., to Robert B. and Beulah Esther Ford Craig.
As a teenager during the Great Depression, he lived with his grandmother in Southern California and worked in a variety of jobs.
He married Norma Lynn Tobler June 15, 1976, in Carson City.
He was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1941, and served in Iwo Jima and Saipan. He was discharged in November 1945.
After returning to Southern California, he became a professional driver. In the 1950s, he moved to Minden, where he homesteaded 160 acres. He was a correctional officer for the Nevada State Penitentiary from 1957 to 1977, when he retired.
He loved antique cars and owned and restored several from the 1920s and 1930s. He was involved with the Eureka Antique Car Club and Heritage Club. He had a private pilot's license while living in California and Nevada, and owned a 1959 Bellanca and was a member of AOPA and the Civil Air Patrol. He enjoyed traveling in his motorhome.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Robert K., Jay, Max and Douglas; and sisters Dorothy Craig and Roberta Lewis.
Among his survivors are his daughter and son-in-law, Lucinda and Tom Fitchett of Bandera, Texas; son Steven of Las Vegas; son and daughter-in-law Larry R. and Kathleen Craig of Fallon; brother, Jerry Dale and sister and brother-in-law, Beverly L. and Rick Maier, all of Eagle Point, Ore.; grandchildren Heather and Travis Roberts of Carson City; and two great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301.
Graveside services were at W.J. Ward Cemetery in Brookings with Bishop Larry Marks officiating.
Redwood Memorial Chapel in Brookings is in charge of arrangements.
