Ilan “Dean” Craig, a cherished husband, devoted father, respected member of the community and pillar of strength, peacefully departed this life on February 7, 2024, at the age of 85 in Okmulgee. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him.
Dean was born on October 23, 1938, in Enid, the youngest of seven siblings born to Olen and Ruth Craig. He began his journey through life with an infectious enthusiasm. Dean graduated from Anadarko High School in 1956 and went on to attend Southwestern Oklahoma State College in Weatherford. Originally attending school for pharmacy, Dean soon found out that his passions were elsewhere. He withdrew early and since he dropped out of school, he knew he was eligible for the draft. In 1960, Dean joined the U.S. Navy, after originally enlisting for the Air Force and being denied the opportunity to be a pilot. He switched to the Navy, where he was stationed aboard the carrier Antietam in Pensacola, Fla. during the Cuban Missile Crisis. All he ever wanted to do was to be in the Blue Angels, but later in life he was proud to receive a private pilot’s license.
Dean was honorably discharged in 1962 and began working for the Department of Human Services on January 2, 1963, where he worked for 27 years, 18 of those years as County Administrator, until his retirement in 1990. After retirement, he continued to work for the next 16 years as a certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
Dean dedicated much of his service to the Okmulgee Lions Club, where he exemplified the spirit of giving and held the esteemed position of District Governor. His start in the Lions Club International dates back 58 years where he received many awards during that time. In 1974, he received his first District Lion of the Year award which was followed by him serving as District Governor in 1975, overseeing 52 clubs in 17 counties. Lions Clubs held a very special place in Dean’s heart as the club and members worked towards the efforts of many to give sight to the blind. He was known as a storyteller through and through, where he also submitted weekly articles to the Okmulgee Times for speakers that attended weekly Lions meetings and always provided the weekly “Friendship Dollar.”
Dean’s passion for October 23, 1938 – February 7, 2024
sports, particularly his unwavering support for the OU Sooners football team, illuminated his life. He found great joy in cheering on his favorite players, though in recent years, he took pride in his granddaughter’s college basketball pursuits, meticulously tracking her achievements and also watching his great grand children play sports in Owasso.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Olen and Ruth Craig, Sister Wanda Abbott, Brothers James, Eulon, Farrell, and Harold.
Dean leaves behind his beloved wife, Anita Craig, as well as his sons Jeff Craig and wife Nicole of Blanchard. Jon Craig and fiancé Jem Black of Denton, Texas. His daughters, Kelly Ogg of Owasso and Kim Hedrick and husband Brent of Panama City, Fla.; his sister, Kathy White of Guthrie and many nieces and nephews, who will forever cherish their memories of him.
Dean’s legacy lives on through his grandchildren: Carson and Carly Craig, Taylor Craig, Andrew Craig and wife Valerie, Dawson and Riley Craig, Dustin Ogg and wife Amanda, Derek Ogg and wife Tiffany, Danielle Caudle and husband Josh, and great-grandchildren: Landon, Hudson, Beckett, Navy, Jackson, and Paisley, Chandler, Ryker, Major, R.W., Kelbi, Lilly.
Friends and community members were invited to pay their respects during a public viewing and visitation on February 11, 2024, from 2-4 p.m. at Schaudt’s Okmulgee Funeral Service, 220 S.Alabama Ave. in Okmulgee.
A funeral service honoring Dean’s remarkable life was held on February 12, 2024, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Okmulgee, officiated by Pastor Greg Ray along with longtime Lions Club member and friend Duaine Janzen sharing special memories.
As we gather to commemorate the life of Ilan “Dean” Craig, may we find peace in the enduring memories he leaves behind, the lives he touched and the legacy he has gifted to us all. Treasure the Silver Dollar you were given. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
