Neil Dudley Craig passed away June 17, 2026. Neil was born on Oct.17, 1948, in Guymon, OK, to Virgil Victor Craig and Barbara Joan Craig. At Guymon High School, he excelled in the classroom, in student government, and in athletics. 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. Neil began his calling in education and coaching at Shawnee High School. 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. Neil was married to Marsha Ann McDonald for 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, OK. 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. In 2013, he was named Seminole Citizen of the Year; in 2015, he received the Lions Club Melvin Jones Fellowship Award; in 2019, he was inducted into the Seminole Hall of Fame.
Neil 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 pm at First Baptist Church Seminole, followed by a reception at the Reynolds Wellness Center.
