Martin Jay Craig

Martin Jay Craig
September 2, 1961 - May 24, 2025
Martin Jay Craig was born on September 2, 1961 in Washington D.C. to Natalie (Frasure) and Lyle Craig. Marty passed away on May 24, 2025 at Avow Hospice in Naples Florida, surrounded by sunshine and love from his kids and grandkids.
Marty grew up in Savanna, IL and graduated from Savanna High School. He went on to earn his associate's degree from Highland Community College. He worked as a computer programmer his whole life. Most recently he retired from Maritz Research and was working part time at Habitat for Humanity. Marty raised two kids, Brooke and David, in Stockton, IL. During his time in Stockton, he found himself always working on house or car projects, coaching little league baseball, snow plowing driveways, watching Sci-Fi movies, and reading books.
Marty has always had a love for sunshine and water. He owned multiple boats and spent many hours fishing with his son, David, on the Mississippi River. Upon retirement he moved to Naples, FL, seeking warmer weather and beaches. He learned how to scuba dive to explore ocean reefs. He found joy and peace walking many different beaches and searching for perfect shells with his daughter Brooke. When he wasn't adventuring on the water, he enjoyed relaxing by the pool at his condo complex. He could be found poolside most evenings watching game shows, sporting events and chatting with friends who were like family. He especially loved watching his grandkids, Marshall and Jordan, enjoying the pool swimming and laughing.
Marty was a witty, compassionate, and fiercely independent person. He was always willing to lend a hand, watching neighbors' condos or cars, picking up someone's mail, or volunteering at the hospital. He reminded his kids that in life they should "go out and do good."
If you want to remember Marty, go out and do something good for someone else. Help a neighbor carry groceries, jumpstart someone's car, take them out to a restaurant (another one of his favorites to do), donate to charity, advocate for others, or spend time with a friend.
Instead of flowers please consider donating to one of the following organizations that protect two bodies of water that Marty loved: Conservancy of Southwest Florida or Mississippi River Basin Conservancy.
Marty is survived by his two kids, Brooke (Grant) Pierce and David (Morgan) Craig; his grandkids, Marshall and Jordan Pierce; his brother, Steve Craig; his sister, Kristine Disher; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Natalie (Frasure) and Lyle Craig, and brothers Erik and Jeff Craig.
Marty's life will be celebrated in a private service attended by immediate family.
Donation link for Conservancy of Southwest Florida:
https://6890a.blackbaudhosting.com/6890a/UNR-ANNUAL-GIVING
Donation link for Mississippi River Basin Conservancy:
https://preserve.nature.org/page/80429/donate/1