Donald N. “Chirp” Craig

| January 24, 2018

Donald N. “Chirp” Craig, 85, of Sligo, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at the Clarview Nursing & Rehab Center in Sligo.

He was born on July 11, 1932, in Callensburg; son of the late Roy Washington and Lottie Stover Craig.

Chirp graduated from Sligo High School in 1950 where he was active in athletics and king of his Senior Prom.

Chirp married his High School sweetheart, Kathleen Burns, on August 28, 1953, who preceded him in death on September 12, 2012.

He worked as an Electrician at Owen’s Illinois Glass Plant in Clarion, retiring after 35 years of service. Chirp was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, active duty during the Korean Conflict from 1950 to 1954, and was honorably discharged with rank the of Sergeant. He was a long time member of the Sligo United Methodist Church, he was also a member of the Zion Baptist Church in Reidsburg, and most recently a member of the former Liberty Street Church of God. Chirp was an honorary life member of the Sligo Sportsmen’s Club. He was given a lifetime pass to all Union High School athletics for his service as head of the chain gang for the Union Football team for over 25 years.

Chirp was manager of “Chirp’s Angels”, a women’s softball team, throughout the 70’s, having won multiple league championships. He also loved to play Softball, lastly for the Zion Baptist Men’s Team into his mid-60’s. Chirp was actively involved in the Clarion County Tent revivals as an Electrician for many years. In his later years, Chirp enjoyed playing cards with his wife and friends, watching game shows and sports, and taking long car rides with Kathleen, that typically ended up at an Ice Cream Shop. He enjoyed hunting and he was an avid Steelers, Pirates, Penguins, and Penn State fan.

Above all else, Chirp was a dedicated Christian family man who lived his life selflessly always giving onto others. He exemplified the Lord in his life, and his strong will and fighting spirit were an inspiration to many.

Chirp is survived by his daughter, Tina Craig Siegel of Newport Beach, California, his son, Jeffrey Craig of Knox, three grandchildren, Nikki Siegel Silverman and her husband Adam of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Christopher Murphy of Newport Beach, California, and Andrew Craig and his wife Elizabeth of Philadelphia, and two great-grandchildren, Ava and Scarlett Silverman. He is also survived by his sisters, Becky Harkless of Callensburg, Dee Maciag of Dubois, Jackie Benn of Callensburg, and Sally Hosey and her husband Dan of North Carolina.

Chirp was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife, two sisters, Lois Stahlman and Henrietta Palaggo, and two brothers, Roy “Toe” Craig and Bill Craig.

Chirp’s family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, January 26, 2018, at the Burns Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc. in Rimersburg and also from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the Sligo United Methodist Church, where Military Honors will be accorded by the Rimersburg American Legion Post #454 and V.F.W. #7132 at noon with funeral services to follow in the church with Rev. Dan Myers, retired minister, presiding.

Interment will follow in the Sligo Cemetery.

Online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.rvburnsfuneralhome.com.


Copyright © 2024 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited.

Category: Obituaries