Clair Verne Craighead

Clair Craighead was born May 24, 1950 to Warren and Velma Craighead in Woodward, Oklahoma. He lived on 16th street until moving to his forever home on his ranch at the age of 12. Thus began his love of the land and a passion for his community. As a teenager, Clair showed horses all the way to Madison Square Garden. He was active in all sports in high school, All District in football and played with the Travelers.
After graduating from Woodward High, he attended Oklahoma State University and joined Delta Tau Delta. There he made life long friends that regularly kept in touch. This laid the foundation for a life dedicated to hard work, friendship and service. He devoted his career to ranching, earning admiration for his dedication, skill and accomplishments.
While at OSU he met the love of his life, Stephanie. His college days were interrupted when he was called to basic training during the Vietnam War but he returned to graduate and marry his sweetheart, Stephanie.
They made their home in Woodward and raised two girls, KJ and Lindsey. His grandchildren were the light of his life. Grandsons Talbot and Caisen live on the ranch and help with everything. Granddaughters Natalie and Sophia fulfill his love of family when they come to visit.
While raising a family, Clair was very busy as a basketball official for 20 years, coaching his girls ball teams and president of Kids Inc.
He served as chairman of the NW Chapter of the Friends of the NRA for several years and led the local fund drive for Hurricane Katrina Victims. Clair contributed his time and leadership to the First Christian Church as Deacon. He also served on the Board of Directors of Northwestern Electric Cooperative for 29 years. NWEC and its employees were like family and serving the Coop members was his passion.
Ranching was his way of life and working cattle with family and friends was always great fun. Clair brought his love for tradition and the western way of life to countless events, inspiring everyone around him. He has served as beef superintendent at livestock shows, vice president of NWO Cattleman's Association and received numerous awards.
Clair is known for his 21 years on the Woodward Elks Rodeo Committee having served as Secretary, Vice Chairman, Chairman and Parade Marshall. He was selected Committee Man of the Year in 1993 and his picture is part of the Woodward Elks Rodeo Wall of Fame, the only honor to be bestowed to both a father, Warren Craighead, and son, Clair Craighead. And the only father son duo to have served as chairmen. He was instrumental in getting the first NWOJR and State High School Rodeo finals in Woodward.
And somehow he found time to enjoy hunting and fishing with friends from all over the country.
Known for his warm smile and generous heart, Clair was surrounded by a wide circle of friends who cherished his kindness, humor and steadfast support. His presence was a gift to all who knew him, and his legacy of friendship and service will remain a guiding light in the lives he touched. He left this earth, December 25, 2024 a rich man......rich with a ton of friends, a family who loved him deeply and the legacy of a hero.
He was preceded in passing by his parents, Warren and Velma Craighead, and his sister, Joyce Mann. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Stephanie Craighead, daughter Kristi Jo Bowler and Dennis of Tuttle, daughter Lindsey Craighead of Woodward, grandchildren Natalie and Sophia Bowler of Tuttle and Talbot and Caisen Iliff of Woodward.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:00 am Friday, January 3, 2025 at the First Christian Church with Janet Fitz officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church Woodward, Oklahoma with the funeral home accepting the contributions.