Donn V. Craig of Battle Creek passed away suddenly on May 31, 2017.
He was born in Dearborn, Michigan on July 31, 1945. He attended Edsel Ford High School also in Dearborn. Then, he attended Western Michigan University where he met Laura McKeever in 1965. They were married in 1967.
Donn had a 36-year teaching career working at Athens Middle School, Woodrow Junior High, Prairieview Elementary School, and Westlake Elementary School. Donn was an impactful teacher who had a special gift of being able to connect with all types of students. Beyond the classroom, he used his time to share his interests with the kids by running after school computer and running clubs. Through the years, he had a fun classroom that also showcased his huge lunchbox collection.
He was a dedicated family man coaching softball, baseball, and soccer. He was the Boy Scout Troop 377 leader for many years. He shared his love of all things Star Wars with his family. Some of his happiest times were on the annual family camping trips to Wilderness State Park on Lake Michigan.
Donn had a knack for making great deals. If he hadn’t been such an incredible teacher, he would have been a natural salesman. Everywhere Donn went, you heard his signature whistling. Until his knees told him otherwise, he loved running. He ran two marathons and hundreds of other races. Donn was a patient man, which helped sustain his lifelong support for the Detroit Lions.
In retirement, you were most likely to find Donn busy with his hobbies. Although he did also enjoy biking, golf, photography and breakfast at McDonalds with friends, HO scale model railroading was his passion. He founded the Peninsular Modular Railroad Club and was also active in the Lansing Model Railroad Club.
He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Laura; two children Matt (Beth) Craig and Jennie (Marty) Auster; brothers Gary (Anne) Craig and Doug Craig; and grandchildren Allie, Katie, Tabby and Hadley.
A private service will be held. In honor of Donn’s love of animals, memorial donations to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan in Battle Creek would be welcome.

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