Joe Lockett Craig

Joe Lockett Craig, aged 95, died January 12, 2024, in Henderson, Kentucky, under the care of St. Anthony’s Hospice. He was born April 25, 1928, to parents Jesse Baskett Craig and Margaret Lockett Craig. Joe graduated from Barrett Manual Training High School, class of 1946, where he was a valedictorian. He graduated from University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, and from Purdue University with a master’s degree in Industrial engineering. While at UK he was inducted into Tau Beta Pi, the major engineering honor society. He was a registered professional engineer. Joe served in the U.S. Air Force as a first lieutenant in the Strategic Air Command. While stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base he met, fell in love with, and married Nan Glass, who has been his loving wife for 66 years. After brief employments at Servel, Inc. in Evansville, IN, and Gibbs Plastic Moulding & Die Casting Co. in Henderson, and his service in the Air Force, Joe was employed for 16 years at Spencer Chemical Company and its successors in Henderson, reaching the position of Superintendent of Maintenance and Engineering. He then was employed at Big Rivers Electric Corporation at Henderson for 21 years, reaching the position of Vice General Manager for Fuels, Environmental Affairs and Information Systems. Joe was a life-long member of Henderson’s First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He served two terms as chairman of deacons and was church moderator for 14 years. A great pleasure for him was teaching the 7th grade boys Sunday school class for over 20 years. In his last years he was elected by the church membership to the honorary status of Deacon Emeritus. Joe also participated in civic affairs; was active in the Jaycees and served on the board of Junior Achievement, both for many years. He was a member of the Elks lodge. He was preceded in death by his parents. Joe is survived by his wife Nan; daughter Laura Linger and her husband Dr. Craig Linger; and three grandsons: Dr. Nathaniel Linger and his wife Lisa, Noah Linger and his wife Meredith, and Thomas Linger. Noah and Meredith’s son, Joseph Linger, is his great-grandson. Relatives and friends are invited to Joe’s Life Celebration from 12:00 p.m. until service time this Thursday at Benton-Glunt & Tapp Funeral Home in Henderson, KY. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 18th, 2024, at the funeral home with Reverend Alan Chamness officiating. Burial will follow at Fernwood Cemetery in Henderson, KY. In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to: St. Anthony’s Hospice: 2410 South Green St., Henderson, KY, 42420, or to the youth program at First Baptist Church: 307 Center St. Henderson, KY 42420. Arrangements entrusted to Benton-Glunt & Tapp Funeral Home, A Life Celebration® Home, online condolences may be made at www.bentongluntandtappfuneralhome.com.

Joe Lockett Craig

April 25, 1928 - January 12, 2024