Craig M. Playford

Craig M. Playford, age 74, of Jonesville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family and special angel, Ashley Carpenter. He was born August 19, 1951, in Hillsdale to Roland "Ron" and Myrna Jean (Drake) Playford Jr. Craig was married to Kathy Munger from 1972 to 1993, during which they welcomed their two sons, Bryan and Brad Playford. He later married Wendy Kurtz on October 24, 1998, and they lovingly blended their families with the addition of Wendy's children, Lucas, Sherrie, and Andrew Blonde.

Craig graduated from Hillsdale High School in 1969, and from Jackson Community College with a degree in business administration. Craig's life was immersed in his love for music, evident in his 50 plus year career in the music industry and his membership in the American Federation of Musicians. He began his career teaching organ lessons while attending high school. In 1970, he joined Grinnell Brothers as a salesman, working his way to assistant manager. He founded Playford Music Co. in Jonesville in 1976 and later moved the business to Jackson in 1982 where he shared his passion for music and teaching until his retirement in 2022. Craig was an active member of Westwinds Community Church in Jackson, often playing the B3 organ for Sunday services. Over the years, he also led and companioned those experiencing divorce through divorce recovery workshops. Craig was a life member of the Hillsdale Elks Lodge 1575 where he was active in the euchre club. He also was an avid golfer playing in numerous golf leagues and fan of the University of Michigan, spending many Saturdays tailgating with friends and family at the Big House. He loved spending time with his family, traveling to numerous music concerts and two special trips to Hawaii with Wendy, and going out to dinner with his grandchildren at his favorite restaurant, No Thai.

In addition to his wife, Wendy Playford of Jonesville, Craig is survived by five children, Bryan (Mary) Playford, Brad (Laura) Playford, Lucas (Alexis) Blonde, Sherrie (Roger) Thon, and Andrew (Nichole) Blonde; twenty three grandchildren, Koryn, Kaden, and Carson Playford, Zoe and Owen Playford, Kennedy, Avery, and Sienna Blonde, Roger Thon Jr., Alexis (Adam) Heibel, Mason Bevard, Jennifer Thon, John Kevin Thon, Christian (Mackenzie) Thon, Dustin, Devin, Gavin, and Justice Blonde, Madison (Austin) Clark, Michaela Blonde, Eden Blonde, Abrielle Blonde, and Alexis (Bret) Becker; nine great-grandchildren; and his former spouse, Kathy (Allan) Buehrer.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation for Craig Playford will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Westwinds Community Church in Jackson. A funeral service and livestream will follow beginning at 12:30 PM with Rev. Dr. David McDonald and Pastor Cory Doiron officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to the Eagle Funeral Home in Jonesville.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Fossores Chapter House, Westwinds Community Church, Beyond Angel Care LLC, or the Hillsdale Elks Lodge 1575.