Obituary of Craig R. Carneal

Craig Russell Carneal passed away peacefully at home on July 17, 2021, after a short illness. He was born November 29, 1961 in Fort Riley, KS to Darreld Carneal and Janet (Allison) Seidl. The family moved to Colorado when Craig was 6 months old. Craig graduated from Harrison High School in 1980. After high school, Craig enlisted in the Navy and proudly served our country for 4 years. During his military service, he rode bulls in the rodeo events, was a member of the infantry, gun crews, and was a seamanship specialist. Craig received 2 awards for Sea Service Deployment. After leaving the service, he met Debra S. Parks. The couple married May 19, 1984. To this union came 4 children: Daniel, Jacob, Elizabeth, and Christopher. In 1996 the family moved to rural Calhan, where they currently reside. Craig worked for the Colorado Springs Police Department for 13 years until he was medically retired. After retirement, Craig continued to run cattle and pigs, coach baseball, and was a 4-H leader. He enjoyed staying involved with the community and served on the Miami Yoder School Board as well as the El Paso County Livestock Committee. Craig was a supportive dad and grandpa (Poppy). His kindhearted nature was always willing to help anyone in need, all you needed to do was ask. Craig’s hobbies included camping, fishing, and attending the Eagles and Ramah dances. His favorite pastime was picking on everyone all the time and trying to make them laugh. Family was very important to Craig whether blood relation or close friend, everyone was welcome to call him dad, poppy, or grandpa. Craig is survived by Debbie, his devoted wife of 37 years; children Daniel (Lori), Jacob (Shelby), Elizabeth (Hadley) Bastian, and Christopher; grandchildren Michael (Shelby), Dayman (Lexi), Bridgette (Harley), Carly, and Virginia; and great-grandsons Jaxson and Rowan. Craig is also survived by his mother, Maryetta; sister Traci Slade; brothers Roger (Gail) Huscher, Terry Huscher, and Jerry Keith Seidl; and sister-in-law Debra K. Carneal; as well as many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, and close friends. Craig was preceded in death by his infant daughter Virginia; parents Darreld Carneal, Jerry and Janet Seidl; brothers; Randy Carneal and Dallas Huscher; and grandson Alex Hilton. Live stream: https://www.facebook.com/HardflipAVProductions/live_videos/