Craig With loved ones by his side, Neil Craig peacefully passed away and went to meet his Savior on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy of community leadership, service, and friendship that touched countless lives throughout Oklahoma.

Born on October 17, 1948, in Guymon, Oklahoma, Neil was the son of Virgil Victor Craig and Barbara Joan Craig. As the oldest of four children, he spent his early years on the family farm in the Oklahoma Panhandle before moving into town. There, he learned the values of hard work, perseverance, humility, and responsibility that would guide him throughout his life. As a young boy, Neil thoroughly enjoyed life on the farm, spending countless hours riding his horse, Buck, and playing with his adored collie, Charger. From an early age, Neil demonstrated a remarkable combination of leadership, athletic ability, and determination. At Guymon High School, he excelled in the classroom, in student government, and in athletics. He was elected Freshman Class President, Sophomore Vice President, and Senior Class President. He was also recognized as Freshman, Sophomore, and Senior Class Favorite. Neil became one of the Guymon Tigers’ most accomplished athletes. A standout competitor in football, basketball, and track and field, Neil earned the respect of teammates, coaches, and classmates alike. As an elite hurdler, Neil consistently faced the state’s top talent. That was certainly true during the state track meet his junior year when future University of Oklahoma star running back and Heisman Trophy winner Steve Owens beat him by a mere nose. Neil always claimed he was built for speed, and he was absolutely right. Yet when summer arrived, it was back to work on the family farm, where he continued to develop the strong work ethic, grit, and sense of responsibility that would become hallmarks of his character. His accomplishments on the football field earned him a scholarship to play football at the University of Oklahoma. While at OU, Neil suffered a significant knee injury that altered the course of his playing days. He completed his collegiate football career and earned his degree from Panhandle State College, following in the footsteps of his father. Undeterred by his injury, Neil also competed in basketball and track and field during his time at PSC.

After graduation, Neil began his calling in education and coaching at Shawnee High School. His natural leadership abilities, love for competition, and passion for helping young people quickly became evident. During his tenure, he helped coach the Wolves to a 1973 state football championship and eventually rose to become head football coach. Throughout his career, Neil maintained a deep respect for his fellow coaches, building relationships on and off the field that would last a lifetime. It was also in Shawnee that Neil married Marsha Ann McDonald, and together they welcomed their two children, Zac and Chesca. They were married 25 years and remained friends until the time of Neil’s death.

In 1979, Neil embarked on a new professional journey when he became a State Farm Insurance agent and moved to the community that would forever become home— Seminole, Oklahoma. For more than four decades, Neil served the people of Seminole with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. He was far more than an insurance agent; he was a trusted advisor, mentor, supporter, and friend to generations of families. Through life’s celebrations and challenges, people knew they could count on Neil’s steady guidance, honest counsel, and genuine concern for their well-being. Neil’s love for Seminole extended far beyond his profession. He became one of the community’s most dedicated civic leaders and worked tirelessly to promote the growth, spirit, and success of the city he loved. His fingerprints can be found on many of Seminole’s most cherished traditions and community initiatives. He played a key role in establishing and supporting Gusher Days and the Gusher Days Air Show, the Seminole Sports Festival and Wrangler Bowl, the Mike Snyder Weekly Football Show, Boomtown Playground, and, of course, Snowman Wonderland, the beloved holiday attraction that earned him the fitting nickname “Mr. Christmas.” Throughout his life, Neil believed that strong communities are built through service. He served on the Park Board, Seminole Airport Board, the Seminole Chamber of Commerce Board, the Seminole Economic Development Council, the Seminole State College Booster Club, and he was a devoted member of the Lions Club. His commitment to the community earned widespread respect and recognition. In 2013, he was named Seminole Citizen of the Year, one of the community’s highest honors. In 2015, he received the Lions Club Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, and in 2019, he was inducted into the Seminole Hall of Fame.

Yet for all of his accomplishments, awards, and leadership roles, Neil’s greatest joy came from living life to the fullest and sharing it with friends and loved ones. With his lighthearted spirit and inquisitive nature, he embraced countless hobbies and interests throughout his life. He was an avid collector of Western artifacts, presidential pins, and OU football memorabilia, many of which were proudly displayed at his “Wagon Wheel” office. He had a lifelong passion for aviation and loved flying with his family to nearby New Mexico and Colorado, as well as back to his hometown of Guymon. Neil enjoyed fishing, playing racquetball, and staying active through swimming, jumping rope, riding his bike, and boxing workouts on his speed bag. He also developed unique talents in ventriloquism, performing with his favorite dummy, Darryl, took up auctioneering, taught himself to play the harmonica, and even tried his luck at bull riding. Neil loved following sports and politics, west coast swing dancing, researching genealogy, volunteering as a coach, and spending time with his cherished boxer dogs, Jewel Dog, Sadie Dog, Coco, and Silla. He enjoyed planning and attending his high school class reunions, and exploring estate sales throughout the region whenever he had the opportunity. Above all else, though, he loved his children and grandchildren. He took great pride in their accomplishments and found immense joy in encouraging them, supporting their dreams, and celebrating each milestone along the way.

Most importantly, Neil’s greatest love and most cherished accomplishment was his relationship with the Lord. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior early in life, and that faith remained a guiding force throughout his years. As a young man, he was an active participant in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where he continued to grow in his faith and share it with others. Neil was a devoted member of First Baptist Church from the time he arrived in Seminole in 1979. He served as a deacon for many years and taught Sunday school to high school boys, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of his students. His lessons were more than words; they reflected the love, faith, and wisdom he carried throughout his life. One of his most memorable teachings focused on heaven, including the model of heaven he built to help bring his lesson to life.

As his physical body began to give out, Neil remained tough as nails. Through heart procedures, hip surgeries, and, most recently, his stay in long-term care, he never lost hope and always held onto the goal of returning to the life he loved in Seminole. Everyone who came into contact with Neil during this season of his life was inspired by his positivity, strength, and perseverance. His legacy will continue through the countless lives he influenced, the lessons he taught, and the memories that will be treasured forever. While his presence will be deeply missed, his family and friends find comfort knowing that Neil has finished his race and is now home with his Lord and Savior.

Neil was loved by many, respected by all, and will be deeply missed. He is survived by his children, Chesca Goodell and husband Jeff, and Zac Craig and wife Lindsey; grandchildren, Ava and Brayden Goodell, and Olivia and Ella Craig; siblings, Carol Potter, Hal Craig and wife Missy, and Chad Craig and wife Cherie; cousins, Bonnie Bunch, Clark Thayer and wife Beth, and Jim Burge and wife Debbie, and many other family members and loved ones.

A celebration of Neil’s life will be held on June 25 at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Seminole, followed by a reception at the Reynolds Wellness Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donation be made to the Lions Club Snowman Wonderland, Mike Snyder Foundation, or the Seminole State College Booster Club.