Craig Strong Obituary

TAYLOR - Craig A. Strong, 49, of Omaha, formerly of Kearney and Taylor, died Saturday, July 14, 2012, in an accidental drowning at Calamus Reservoir.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church in Kearney, with the Rev. Gary Main officiating. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. in the cemetery in Almeria.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday. A memorial service will be at his home church, St. Andrew's United Methodist Church of Omaha.

Craig was born in Kearney on July 12, 1963, to Howard and Sharon (Silas) Strong.

Survivors of the immediate family include his mother and father of Kearney and a sister, LeAnne Strong of Kearney.

Additional survivors include nieces, Haley Strong of Kearney and Riann Strong of Henderson; nephews, Reed Burr of Kearney and Jackson Brown of Phillips; his extended family and many devoted friends.

Craig grew up in Kearney and Taylor and graduated from Loup County High School. He received a bachelor's degree from Kearney State College and served as a student regent on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

He made his home in Lincoln and Omaha, and was a member of the St. Andrew's United Methodist Church of Omaha.

His many interests included spending time with family, photography and active membership of his church. His last stay in Kearney included exhibiting his photography at Art in the Park, as he had done for many years.

Craig is remembered for his open heart and joyful disposition.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Memorials are suggested to the family for designation at a later date.

A message of condolence, tribute or memory can be left at www.hlmkfuneral.com.

You may sign the online guestbook at theindependent.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Grand Island Independent on Jul. 18, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Craig Strong

12 Entries

Scott Himle

July 27, 2012

Although no words can help to ease the loss you bear, please know that you are in my prayers. Craig was a genuinely good guy. The world is a much emptier place without him, and I am deeply saddened. He shot our wedding photos, and did an excellent job. I wish I had been more friends with him. What a great way he had about him, and his laugh, always on the positive side. I pray the sorrow you feel in your heart may lighten by the love that surrounds you.

Connie Layman

July 20, 2012

Our prayers and condolensences to Howard and Sharon and the entire Strong family. I remember Craig when he was a young man and did'nt have the pleasure or opportunity to get to know him later in his life. I know he was a special person and will be missed. Terry and Connie (Campbell) Layman, cousins-Phoenix,AZ

Karol Swotek

July 20, 2012

Craig became a friend of mine through a mutual friend while we all lived in Lincoln, NE. He took our engagement photos and kept us smiling the whole time. He was genuine and generous, caring for others until the very, tragic end. God bless him and his family. Craig was truly a special person.

Chris Headley

July 19, 2012

Craig was an incredibly kind and sweet man. I'm sorry he's no longer with us. I'm glad he was able to save his family at such a cost. It's an incredibly noble gesture by a noble man. My thoughts are with his family in this time of grief. Rest well, Craig.

Randy Wilson

July 19, 2012

I worked with Craig at PayPal. We started in the company together Feb 2008. I was honored to get to know him personally and that considered him a friend during his tenure here. Craig was the only co-worker who took time off from work to attend my wedding in 2009. All of us here at PayPal will miss Craig deeply and we will never forget him. I will always hold a special place in my heart for him and wish to tell his family that he will always be known as a hero in our eyes.

Georgia Eberhardt

July 19, 2012

I did not know Mr. Strong, his decision to help a child,is the kindness ever, he risked his life to help someone else. He was thinking of someone else but not his safety,how indebted this family must feel for the kindness & bravery he showed . I am praying for your family & the child's he definately is a guardian angel above to you all. May God Bless You All Amen.

Janet Blake

July 18, 2012

I knew Craig as a college student associated with the ENVOYS at UNK. He was kind and compassionate then as now.
JLB, Hastings, Nebraska

jjp

July 18, 2012

Craig is a hero. This story will be with me the rest of my life. Thank you, thank you for sharing him with us. Prayers for peace in the hearts of all of the families and friends of Craig.

Selena Meckel

July 18, 2012

I was so sorry to hear about Craig's death. So saddened to hear that he died while performing such a heroic act. He will always be remembered by all as a true hero and such a wonderful man! I am sending love and prayers to his entire family from my entire Meeks family. With love and hugs to you all!

Deb Cleary

July 18, 2012

I did not know Mr. Strong, but when I heard about how he died saving a child's life, all I could think of is what a caring person he must have been and how he was that child's guardian angel. My heart goes out to his family and friends. You are all in my prayers, as is the family of the little girl he saved. He is truly a hero.

Billie Goble

July 18, 2012

I am sorry for your loss. May God be with you during this time

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results