Robert "Bob" Craig

Robert S. “Bob” Craig passed peacefully from this world at home, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. A proud fourth-generation Texan, Bob was born May 30, 1936, in Vernon, Texas, to E.S. (Buddy) Craig and Lona Dean (Mur) Craig. He grew up on the family cattle ranch in Lark, Texas — about 35 miles east of Amarillo on Route 66 — where he learned early the value of hard work, a firm handshake, and, of course, a good story.

Bob was popular from the start. He ranked third in his high-school class, was elected to numerous class offices, named First Team All-District in football, and, to his mother’s delight, made it all the way to the state Declamation contest in Austin. He didn’t win, but he did discover The University of Texas—and decided right then that he was going to be a Longhorn.

He entered UT in 1954 driving a brand-new white Ford convertible with baby-blue leather interior, dual loud mufflers, fender skirts, a continental kit, and the mandatory fuzzy dice. It was, fittingly, a car with as much personality as the young man behind the wheel.

During his freshman year he met the girl of his dreams, Carole Jane Caroon—his beloved “Boog” from that moment on. They married in June 1956 and spent 69 years building a beautiful family and a life overflowing with love, laughter, and the kind of partnership people hope for.

Bob graduated from UT with a business degree in 1958, remaining a VERY proud Longhorn for the rest of his days. He missed his graduation ceremony to attend his commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and soon moved his growing family to Houston, where he began a long and successful career as a stockbroker.

Known for his big, positive personality, his uncanny ability to tell a joke at the drop of a hat (sometimes all he needed was one word), and a memory for names that would put any politician to shame. Bob became a beloved fixture in Houston’s social scene throughout the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. He was honored to serve in many leadership roles, including:

- President of the Houston Central Lions Club (1976)
- President of the “C” Club (1980)
- Founding Member of the Touchdown Club of Houston
- President of the UT Ex-Students of Houston (1987–1988)
- President of the Houston Longhorn Club (1989)
- Board Member of the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center for 38 years
- Master of ceremonies for more events than anyone could possibly count

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Buddy and Lona Craig; his daughter, Deborah Craig Connelly; his sister, Dede Rea; and his brother, Dan Craig. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carole Caroon Craig; his children Caron Blake (Mike), Bob Craig (Carol), and Viki Peltier (Joe). “Big Daddy” will be deeply missed by his grandchildren—Craig Connelly, Catie Bird (Trevor), Adriane Smith (Adam), Madeline Stewart (Spencer), Carly Craig, Rylee Peltier, Reghan Peltier, Joshua Blake, Adam Blake (Lani), Matthew Blake (Grace) and Kelsey Marks (James)—and by his lively crew of fifteen great-grandchildren, with one more arriving in June. He adored them all and rarely missed a chance to brag about them.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18, at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, 9009 Sienna Ranch Road, in Missouri City. Rosary will be held 30 minutes prior to service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, The Rose - Breast Center of Excellence or the Blue Bird Circle.

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