Luther Preston Craig

Luther Preston Craig was born at his grandmother’s home in Floyd, NM on September 21, 1937, to Mary Juanita Knight.  Luther and his sisters, Mary and Patsy, and his brother, John, grew up in and around Portales, NM.  Luther attended school when he could and worked in the fields around Portales to help earn an income for his family.  Luther honorably served four years in the Army and 7 years in the Navy where he learned skills as an electronic technician.  These skills served him well during his many years working as a technician for various Government contractors at Holloman Air Force Base, NM.

Luther married Lydia Edge in 1961. They settled in Alamogordo, NM after Luther was discharged from the Navy.  Together, they had their only son, Luther Preston Craig, Jr.  In 1981, Luther married Diane Hall and together they raised their daughter, Lisa.  In 1993, he successfully received an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in Electronics Technology from New Mexico State University.  He was 55 years old at the time. 

Luther retired from his years of Government service in 2001.  At a young age, Luther became an accomplished pool player and developed those skills over the years.  His name is still recognized throughout local pool halls in and around Alamogordo.  After retiring, Luther enjoyed woodworking, turning and making beautiful pool cues.  He and his wife would spend several hours creating pens and cue sticks together.  Luther was a skilled “jack-of-all-trades”.  He could repair plumbing, fix cars, build a home from the ground up, and fix or build anything with an electrical component.  

Above all his expertise and knowledge, he was a kind, patient, and loving husband and father who was always willing to go above and beyond to help.  Luther is survived by his wife, Diane Craig of nearly 44 years; his son, Luther Preston Craig, Jr. and Preston’s mother, Lydia Rentschler; his daughter, Lisa Crawford (Woody); and his grandchildren, Clarence W. Crawford IV, Luther B. Crawford, and Marietta E. Crawford; his sister, Pat Hamilton; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Luther’s ashes will be interred at the St. Jude Mission Columbarium at 1404 College Avenue, Alamogordo, NM on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 11:00 am.  The short blessing will be held outside at the columbarium and a small gathering will be held in the church hall after the service.  In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks simply for your good thoughts and prayers.

The Craig family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home.

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