Craig William Laker

CRAIG WILLIAM LAKER, passed away from a battle with Glioblast oma (brain cancer) on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, at home in Auburn, Ind. With his wife, and caregiver by his side, they fought for 14 months what is the most aggressive type of cancer. "As he fought this illness, it wasn't about anymore who said they loved him X amount of years insert their age or time known. That didn't impress him as much as just respectfully being there to help, or send prayers. He greatly appreciated all of the individuals that did just that, and assisted him, and his wife, by faithfully, and unselfishly rising to the occasion of need whether in meals, prayers, lawn mows, sitting with him, fundraisers, or a large house move since they had just gotten married when the diagnosis was given. Those many many individuals are whom he saw their love for him in their selfless actions, and the numerous that prayed for him. In the end however, he gave it all to God, and left this earth in peace with nothing but love in his heart, and joy on his face." Cut in the prime of his life, he leaves behind not just family, and friends, but a legacy of his work in criminal justice. Craig received a Bachelor's Degree in public affairs, and a Master's of Public Affairs, and a Master's of Criminal justice from Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind. He held several career titles throughout his 20-plus years in the field. Most proud of his 20 year Career at Trine University, "my people", he would say. He served first as a faculty member, then as Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Social Sciences, then as Dean of the Jannen School of Arts and Sciences, and finally as Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. He spearheaded the development of the Master's program in Criminal Justice, and is considered the 'father of criminal justice at Trine' overseeing the 'Handgun Team', and the 'American Criminal Justice Association' including all competitions with other ACJA folks. He won several awards, including the Gerald H. Moore Overall Excellence in Teaching, Barrenbrugge Award for Faculty Excellence, Merle May McKetta Thomas Excellence In Teaching in Arts and Sciences. Lastly he was awarded the rank of Professor Emeritus. Craig was a proud card carrying supporter of the NRA, local animal shelters, Angola Conservation Club, Community Anti-violence Alliance, Four County Vocational Cooperative Criminal Justice Advisory Board, and a member of Trine's Delta Chi fraternity. He is survived by his beloved wife, Hope Angela Laker; proud father to daughters from a previous union, Alexandria Leigh Laker, Elizabeth Lauren Laker, and Emma Louise Laker: siblings, Jaison (Carol Harper) Laker, Carey (David) Bryson. Nephews, Adrian, and William Morken; and his loving mother, Marcia Jones Laker. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. George C. Loercher (Laker), and Mr. and Mrs. Melton L. Jones; his father, Dr. Gene Carroll Laker; and his baby brother Gene Caroll Laker Jr. He was cremated at Mungovan Funeral Home, and didn't want a funeral. "He wants a 'retirement party' at Trine University. It is the only party he wants to respect his wishes, and that brings everybody that knew him all together. He was adamant on that." It is 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, at T. Furth Center, Trine University, Angola, Ind. Immediately following the program is a private after party at MTI Club Z at Trine University for family, friends, close colleagues, and former students of his. In lieu of flowers, donations to a local animal shelter would be appreciated. Individuals can also donate to a scholarship that has been created at Trine University, Angola, Ind. in his name that benefits criminal justice students. Contact: Robertsn@trine.edu for scholarship donation information: 260-665-4114. Arrangements entrusted to D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes. To sign the online guestbook visit www.domccombandsons.com. "He wants everyone to remember him fondly with his larger than life personality, and that 'God loves a hard worker'."