Craig Allen Smith, 54, of Montrose, passed away on Friday, March 4, 2022, at Blessing Hospital in Keokuk.
Craig was born on March 28, 1967, in Moline, Illinois, the son of Charles R. and Carol Jean (DeBates) Smith. On September 23, 2011, he was united in marriage to Cecilia Hitch in Fort Madison, Iowa. She survives.
Craig graduated from Rock Island High School. He later attended Western Illinois University for engineering and the Boyd School of Law at the University of Iowa. Craig was self-employed as a contractor and woodworker, owning ACH Improvements, and also owned his own business doing legal research and writing. With his job, he won 236 federal appeals. Craig loved science and was a complex thinker, holding patents for various devices. He had very diverse interests and was interested in learning about almost anything. Craig loved the great outdoors and engaged in hunting, fishing, gardening, geology, flint knapping and emergency preparedness. He loved animals, especially his dogs Sparky, Huckleberry and Boo, whom he talked about constantly. Craig was also the family historian and was very active in family history research. Craig could talk to anyone and never met a stranger; he was always thinking of others.
Craig is survived by his wife Cecilia Hitch Smith of Montrose, Iowa; three children: Alexis Smith, Caleb Smith, and Hannah Smith; six siblings: Christine (Michael) Lucas, Carol (Richard) Donavan, Charles Smith II, Cindy (Jeff) Baker, Chad Smith and Catherine (Timothy) Hay; his beloved grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Craig is preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Fort Madison, Iowa. Burial at Oakland Cemetery in Fort Madison will follow at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the family of Craig Smith in care of Cecilia Hitch Smith.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.dejongsfuneralhome.com.
DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.
