Craig Francis Cullinan Jr.

CRAIG FRANCIS CULLINAN, JR., entered into eternal rest on March 17, 2004. Born in Houston, Texas on May 17, 1925, Craig was predeceased by his brother, Joseph Stephen Cullinan, II, his sister, Barbara Cullinan, his parents, Craig F. Cullinan and Edith Phillips Cullinan, and his grandfather, J.S. Cullinan, founder of Texaco. He graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1942 and, during World War II, served as an ensign in the USNR Air Corps. Craig received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University in 1949 where he was a member of the Wolf's Head Society. As President of Review Publications, Inc. from 1951-1955, Craig served as editor in chief of the Freeport, Texas newspaper. From 1957-1960, he served as President of the Houston Sports Association. Longtime friend and Chronicle sportswriter Mickey Herskowitz described Craig as a "pivotal figure" in bringing major league baseball to Houston. In the early 1960's, Craig teamed up with R.E. "Bob" Smith, Judge Roy Hofheinz and George Kirksey to spearhead the successful drive to convince the National League hierarchy that Houston needed a professional baseball team. He served as the first President of the Colt .45s baseball team. In 2001, Houston baseball writers honored Craig by presenting him with a lifetime achievement award for his lasting contributions to baseball. Craig was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman. Craig was a tall and handsome athlete, excellent wing shot and scratch golfer. In 1989 and 1991, Craig and longtime friend, Loren Singletary, won the Latham R. Reed at Seminole Golf Club in Palm Beach. Craig had a lifelong interest in racehorses. One of his horses, Heir to the Line, ran in the 1974 Preakness. Craig was a former member of the Bayou Club, the Houston County Club, Eagle Lake Rod & Gun Club, the Downtown Athletic Club, the Everglades Club and the Seminole Golf Club. Craig was a member of St. John the Divine Episcopal Church. Craig had a charming, dry sense of humor and disarming wit that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He was a strong advocate of Bill and Bob's 12 step program and served as a mentor in that program to hundreds of people from all walks of life throughout our community. He is survived by his daughter, Chaille Cullinan Hutcheson, son-in-law, Thomas T. Hutcheson, two granddaughters, Alison Thayer Hutcheson and Nina Jane Hutcheson, one grandson, Thomas T. "Tal" Hutcheson, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Honorary Pallbearers are Charlie Austin, Les Ballard, Tony Boalt, Sonny Brown, Charles Callery, John Elder, Bob Leidy, Ronald Martin, Archie Peck, John Riddell, Red Rogers, Clive Runnels, Loren Singletary, Barry van Gerbig, Mickey Van Gerbig, Buster Vandervoort, and Ken Woodard. The family will receive friends between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 19 at Chaille and Tom's home, 3061 Locke Lane. A memorial service will be held for Craig on Monday, March 22, at 1:00 p.m. at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, 2450 River Oaks Blvd. For those desiring, the family requests that any donations in Craig's memory be made to St. John the Divine Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice.