Wintford T. Craig

newspaper clipping amanda shafer scrapbook

Death is only an old door
Set in a garden wall.
On gentle hinges it gives at dusk
When the thrushes call.
Along the lintel are green leaves,
Beyond the light lies still.
Very willing and weary feet.
Go over that sill,
There is nothing to hurt at all.
Death is only an old door
In a garden wall.
What comfort the foregoing lines bring to us today! And although many hearts are sad over the parting with this loved one, how consoling to know he has only passed through that door into realms of sunshine and happiness where sickness and sorrow are unknown.
Yes, it was in the dark hours of midnight Saturday, Sept. 5 that this door in the wall quietly opened and a weary pilgrim who for many months had suffered from an incurable ailment passed over its sill and was released from all pain and earthly care, and is now reaping the reward of a well spent life.
Wintford T. Craig, son of Ivason and Rebecca Craig, was born July 4 1865 north of Cainsville, in Harrison Co, Mo. He was the sixth child of a family of seven children, five brothers and one sister. All with the parents have preceded him in death.
On Cot. 26 1889 he united in marriage with Louisa McBee and to this union three daughters were born. Ulna (Mrs Lawrence Willis) Cainsville, Lottie (Mrs Cager Collins) Weldon Ia, and Leota (Mrs Clyde Stephens) Ridgeway, who survive and mourn the loss of a devoted father.
The companion passed away Feb 16 1939. He and his sister-in-law Charlotte McBee maintained a home until her passing Dec 5 1943, then he came to live in the home of his daughter Leota and son-in-law Clyde Stephens, where he passed away. At the time of his passing he was 88 years, two months, and one day old.
When a young man he united with the Christian Church at Fairview, lived by the Golden Rule and valued his friends most highly.
He lived his entire life in Missouri except two years inIoiwa. He was just a common laborer and his was a life filled with love and kind deeds for others. He did not aspire for public favor, but found happiness with his wife, children, grandchildren, and close friends.
Left to mourn his loss besides his three daughters, are two sons-in-law, Clyde Stephens and Cager Collins; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces, nephews, also a host of other relatives and friends. A granddaughter, Leila Willis, and son-in-law Lawrence Willis, preceded him in death.
Wint was a friend and neighbor to all who knew him, always looking on the bright side of life. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Final rites were held from the Stoklas Funeral Home in Cainsville, Sept 8 1953, at 2 p.m. conducted by the Rev. Fred Harper.
Music was furnished by Mrs Helen Bauer and Mrs Ruth McClain, accompanied by Mrs Pearl Phillips.
Pallbearers were Charlie Honston, Arthur Baker, W.W. Noah, Clyde Taff, Claud Phillips and C.E. Addison.
Interment was in Fairview Cemetery near Cainsville with E.J. Stoklasa in charge.
We wish to express our gratefulness to all our neighbors and friends for the beautiful flowers, many expressions of sympathy and kind acts bestowed upon us during the illness and death of our father. your kindness will ever be remembered-Mr and Mrs Clyde Stephens and family, Mr and Mrs Cager Collins and family, Mrs Lawrence Willis and family.