Craig Dean Henderson

Craig Dean Henderson was born on October 22, 1976 to James and Diane Henderson in Roswell, NM.  On November 3, 1978 his baby sister Jamie was born.  She was the light of his life from that day forward.  Craig was preceded in death by his father Jim Henderson, Grandparents Forrest and Dora Henderson, and Grandmother Joy Lieber.  He is survived by his wife Heather and daughter Zoey McNeely of the family home, his mother Diane Henderson and sister Jamie Henderson, both of Roswell, NM, and his mother and father in law Roger and Lynne Clark of Bulverde, TX.  Craig also had many aunts, uncles, and cousins he kept in touch with continuously.

Craig graduated from Goddard High School in May 1995.  He then went to complete his education at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM graduating May 15, 1999 with a degree in Industrial Engineering Technology.  One week after graduation, he secured a job in Midland and never returned home to live in Roswell again.  Midland was home in his heart and he didn’t hesitate to tell strangers (much to Jamie’s dismay) that “He was from Texas.”  He worked at several oil and gas companies, including John M. Clark, Inc. with his father-in-law Roger Clark.  He grew to respect and admire Roger greatly and said often he appreciated so much the opportunity he was given plus everything Roger taught him.  When Roger decided to retire, Craig found employment and chose to work for Three Span Oil and Gas.  He felt very fortunate to work for Earl Baldridge and his family.  He was a loyal and dedicated employee at Three Span and felt he finally found his niche.  Craig looked forward to going to work every day and enjoyed seeing everyone he came across.  The day he picked up his brand-new company truck from the dealership, he called his Momma right away to let her know he got to pick out the floor mats!

Craig had an extensive racing family who all meant so much to him.  He spent his down time working tirelessly on the Blue Roadster and traveling to different racetracks.  He would have given anyone the shirt off his back should they need it.  He knew many interesting people through drag racing and it was in his blood and in his heart.  They all were a part of his everyday life and we know he will be missed dearly.  Craig’s latest project was refurbishing his Dad’s Camaro, the Camaro that his dad was racing before his death on August 14, 1993.   Craig was restoring it to the original condition and the car was to be completed sometime this month.  Craig was so proud of it and continuously texted pictures of the progress of the completion of the car to Heather, his Momma, and Jamie.  The three of us discussed the pictures with Craig, but we all admitted we didn’t have a clue what we were looking at!  We just all responded to Craig “WOW”, “Nice” and Heather would say “looks beautiful, babe”.  We never let on we didn’t really see why he was so excited!

Craig was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church through his whole childhood.  And believe it or not, he was an acolyte for six years and didn’t give up that duty until he went to college.  He was baptized and confirmed as a young boy at St. Andrew’s and that is why we know comfort and peace were with Craig when he so suddenly passed away.  He was kind, loving, caring and it was very clear Heather was his whole world.  He was one of a kind and will never be forgotten or replaced in our hearts.

A poem to share on Momma’s refrigerator for 30 years after Craig’s Dad passed: “Grief never ends, but it changes.  It is a passage, not a place to stay.  Grief is not a sign of weakness or a lack of faith.  It’s the price we pay for love.”  In lieu of gifts, the family asks that donations be made in Craig’s name to his favorite drag racer’s foundation, Shirley Muldowney’s “Shirley’s Kids”.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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