Clifford Craig

OKLAHOMA CITY - Clifford Calvin (Cliff) Craig, of Oklahoma City, Okla., died April 21, 2011, after a valiant year-long battle with cancer. He was born May 24, 1952 in Oklahoma City to Jack and Berma Craig. He was a graduate of Northwest Classen High School, and then earned a degree in accounting at Oklahoma City University in 1975. Cliff graduated with top honors, being awarded the Peter W. Swartz Award given to the Outstanding Graduate of the School of Business. At OCU, Cliff was President of Kappa Alpha Order fraternity, in Blue Key Honor Society, was listed in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, but most importantly, met and married the love of his life, Frankie Ross Craig. They were married for 35 years and have five children. Cliff began his career with Arthur Young & Company (now Ernst and Young) in Oklahoma City where he became both an Audit and Tax Manager. In 1986, the family moved with Ernst & Young to Bakersfield, Calif. The family relocated to Hutchinson, Kans., in 1990, where Cliff and Frankie raised their children and Cliff continued his accounting and finance career. Cliff served as Chief Financial Officer for J.H. Shears & Sons Construction, Kraus Corporation and Peel's Beauty Supply in Hutchinson. In 2008, the family returned to Oklahoma City where Cliff's last position was as CFO of Duit Construction in Edmond, Okla. He was a lifelong member of the Oklahoma Society of CPA's. Cliff is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Frankie; their five children: Katie, Frank, Charlie and Philip, all of OKC; Colleen, Los Angeles, Calif.; his sister, Casey Craig Hasenbeck, OKC; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his in-laws, Frank and Emalee Ross. Cliff was an avid outdoor enthusiast, enjoying running, hiking, hunting and fishing, as well as being a lifelong learner, taking extended college classes in science, math and the arts. Cliff enjoyed volunteer work and activities involving children and was treasurer of Morgan Elementary School in Hutchinson, Kans., long after his children graduated. He was a volunteer football and wrestling coach in youth athletics and an active member of the Hutchinson High School Booster Club. Contributions may be made to Oklahoma City University Meinders School of Business or the Ann Lacy School of American Dance at 2501 North Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. A celebration of Cliff's life and legacy will be Friday, April 29, 2011, at 10 a.m., at Christ the King Catholic Church, 8004 Dorset Drive in Oklahoma City. Corbett Funeral Service, Oklahoma City.