Craig Creel Steward

Craig Creel Steward, father, son, brother, uncle and friend is now in the comforting embrace of his heavenly Father, after a tragic accident on March 27, 2021.

Craig was born February 22, 1985 in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He soon moved to his father’s hometown of Plains, Montana where he would spend the greater part of his life being raised by his father alongside two of his siblings.

Craig enjoyed being the oldest brother and leading the way into his adventurous-filled life. He spent most of his childhood exploring the back slough, building forts, helping with annual grass burns, sledding, camping, fishing, hunting, playing, spending time in the mountains and aspiring to be the next ant farmer, gardener, and amazing older brother. He and his brother, Dane, had to continually reassure their sister, Barb, that exploring abandoned mines, going on the frozen pond and doing all the things young boys do wasn’t mischief, but rather, a necessity for a fulfilled childhood.

One day, Craig returned from school and exclaimed, “I joined the track team, Dad, and I think I might be good at it!” A change from his little guy wrestling years, but his desire, 6’5″ stature, size 15 feet and stride proved he was a natural-born runner.

To watch him speed along the cross-country course, track, or open roadway was a magnificent sight. He gave his whole heart in every race. Even after a horrific car accident left him in a coma for over a week his junior year in high school, he persevered and continued to give his entire might in all aspects of his life. He encouraged his family to follow suit. During and after his stellar running career, you could find him with his father cheering for his siblings at numerous points along the courses, trying to convince his youngest sister, Georgie, to run the 800 or in the gym encouraging Barb to add more weight to her lifts. His competitive spirit continued his entire life as he found joy in challenging people to foot races or other feats of strength. No one beat him.

Craig boasted about and immensely loved his children. He looked forward to seeing who they aspired to be. They were forever on his mind and in his heart.

Craig unfailingly fought for what he believed was right and put his words into actions when he followed in the footsteps of his dad and mom and joined the USMC. He was a warrior.

Craig was proud of the work ethic his father instilled in him through the years of laboring in the rock quarry. He started his own natural stone quarry in Montana and was gratified over the beautiful, hand-picked loads he produced. He was currently working as a lineman for Pike Electric and was looking forward to having his brother come to Texas to work with him and continue their fishing adventures.

Craig spent his recent years with his ride-or-die and love of his life, Heather, getting back to his roots by sharing Montana with her, fishing, hunting, playing board games, teasing his loved ones and making lasting memories with his family and continued shenanigans with his brother. He found delight when an old-timer couldn’t believe he was talking to the grandson of the famous “Tarzan” Steward. He wanted to be like his grandfather and dad, but Craig was a legend by himself.

Craig loved being an uncle and spent numerous nights on the docks of Mississippi fishing with his nephews, Mason and Aidan. He was extremely proud and protective of his family and did not spare any minute to brag on them.

Our heavenly Father and Christ were monumental to his life; he found strength in them as he never missed an opportunity to talk about them and he never missed a prayer.

Craig loved all, forgave without question, didn’t sweat the small things, gave without expectation, had an enormous appetite and a huge, tender, lion heart. He loved life and thoroughly enjoyed and lived each second to the fullest. His congenial personality lit up a room and made everyone feel welcomed. He remained a kid at heart and was endlessly thrilled and eager for every adventure. His boisterous laugh, goofy personality, steadfast nature, and free spirit were unable to be contained.

Craig’s family loved him beyond measure. No words could express our unconditional, eternal love for him. We see him in everything we do. We are perpetually proud, fortunate and grateful to have had him in our lives. Craig left us too soon, but we will foster his memory and carry him with us wherever we go. He is part of us. He is within us.

“Midnight clear.” “Truth don’t lie.” “I’m not blind, I just can’t see.” “Hey, Dawg!”

Craig joins his grandpa “Tarzan” Clarence Creel Steward, grandmother Barbara Riech Grant, grandpa George Grant, great aunt Cookie Riech, and uncle John Steward in heaven.

Craig is dearly missed by his children Gage, Kialey, Isabelle, Dustin and Derrick; his father Jesse Steward; his siblings Dane Steward (Cara, Mason, Aidan and Leah), Barbara Steward (Ben), and Georganne Steward Moline; mom Carrie Moline; significant other Heather Lundie; aunt Ona; cousins Rafe (Kim, Greta, Gage), Jonas, Joni, and Jaron; uncle Sam; great uncle Kenny and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A private ceremony will be held by the family in honor of Craig. Jesse Steward and family would like to thank everyone for the support throughout the years as well as the prayers, cards, flowers and condolences during this difficult time.

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