Craig Alan Humphreys

Craig Alan Humphreys, age 54, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 21, 2024. Craig was born October 11, 1970, to the late Carl and Beverly Humphreys (nee Null). He was a 1989 graduate of Springfield High School. Craig earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the University of Akron and a Master of Arts in Music Education as a graduate with high distinction from Liberty University. He was actively working towards his PhD in Music Education, also from Liberty University.

Craig worked as a truck driver for 27 years for American Seaway Foods before changing careers in August 2021 to pursue his lifelong goal of making a difference in people’s lives. He accomplished just that and so much more when given the opportunity to work at Valley Christian Schools in Youngstown, Ohio as a Band Director teaching children in grades 4-12. He single-handedly built the band program from the ground up with only a handful of student musicians to the 70+ band program that it is today. In addition, Craig also worked as an Assistant Band Director at Cuyahoga Falls High School for the past two years, as well as co-teaching concert band at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) in Cleveland, Ohio. Craig truly loved each and every one of what he referred to as “his kids” in both Valley Christian and Cuyahoga Falls schools.

Craig’s passion for music did not stop at education, he was also an extremely talented performance saxophonist. He was the saxophone section leader in The Outliers Big Band and the principal saxophonist for the Kent State University Stark Campus Concert Band.

Prior to teaching, Craig enjoyed driving racecars at both Deerfield Raceway and Barberton Raceway. He also enjoyed riding his Harley, family vacations, and spending time with his family and friends at every opportunity.

Craig leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 23 years, Lori; stepdaughters Carlie (Jon) Lindhome; Alyson Strittmatter (Brandon); son Caleb; brothers Carl Jr. (Linda) and Jerry (Rachelle); many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, countless family and friends, and sadly, his very first grandchild, a granddaughter expected in May 2025.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Saturday, November 30th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44305. A Celebration of Life Service with Spiritual Life Director Jonathan Jackson and Pastor Gary Frost will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

To view the service at the scheduled service time, please click here.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a monetary donation to the VCS Band to help Craig’s staff and students continue his legacy of music and love that he so very proudly and passionately created.