Mark Thomas Craighead

Mark Thomas Craighead

Mark Thomas Craighead, age 43, of Republic, Missouri, entered this world on July 14, 1969 and went home to be with his savior on August 24, 2012.

Mark graduated from Buffalo High School, Buffalo, Missouri. He served in the United States Air Force, attended Missouri State University, Ozark Technical College as well as receiving a degree in nursing from Lester E. Cox School of Nursing.

January 20, 1991 Mark married the love of his life Carol Gryder and they were blessed with three children, Tori Mae, Carlie Marie and Clayton Thomas.

Marks interest in firearms, especially handguns, inspired him to design and manufacture what is known as one of the best holsters in the firearm industry today. The holsters are known not only across the nation but the entire world. Some in the industry have even stated they are "The Best on the Planet." CrossBreed Holsters was built on hard work, determination, love of the industry, family and his strong faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. With all of those combined Mark turned his vision into a reality. His contribution to the firearms industry will never be forgotten.

Mark was a generous man to say the least, you would find him on a daily basis offering assistance, advice or just a big hug and smile to those in need. He helped more people than we will ever truly know.

Those that had the pleasure to work for him saw this on a daily basis. "HIS BOYS" as he referred to them knew that they would be taken care of in times of need or if they just needed someone to talk to. He insisted that his shop was full of unmated camaraderie. If you worked at CrossBreed Holsters you were part of his family and were treated as such.

Although, his love for firearms was great, he had many other hobbies including motorcycles, Jeeps, Hunting, the Colorado Mountains and the list goes on. No matter what the hobby was, if he was getting into it, he would go 100%. His words we all heard a thousand times were "Go Big or Go Home." Mark lived life to the fullest, every waking minute, and sometimes when he was asleep.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Craighead, daughters, Tori Mae and Carlie Marie, and son, Clayton Thomas, all of the home; his parents, Don and Regena Craighead of Republic; sister, Martha Dale and husband Paul; brother, Matt Craighead and wife Nina; niece, Amanda Craighead; nephew, Andrew Craighead and wife Tayla; his pets, Mary, Harley, Milo, Miso and Sasha; and many, many friends and colleagues in the firearms industry.

He is preceded in death by grandparents, Clayton and Edrie Harris, and Robert and Mary Craighead.

Marks love for his entire family shown through in every aspect of his life. It was expected to receive numerous hugs when you were around him and every departure ended with an I Love You. He will be truly missed but never forgotten.

Mark always took it as his responsibility to Carry the Cross for his Family, Friends, as well as everyone he met.

There will be no visitation. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 1, 2012 in Calvary Baptist Church, 804 US Highway 60 W, in Republic, under the direction of Meadors Funeral Home, Republic. Burial, with military honors, will follow the service in Wade Chapel Cemetery, Republic. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675. Online condolences and pictures may be shared at www.meadorsfuneralhome.com