Craig Corbet, 68, died Monday, March 1st at his home in Iola, KS. He was born in Hiawatha, KS, the son of Murl and Dolores Corbet, on July 19, 1952. The family lived in Hiawatha until 1961 when they moved to Garden City, KS. In 1965, they moved to Yates Center, KS where Craig graduated from Yates Center High School in 1970.
June 16th, 1970, at the age of 17, Craig’s parents agreed to his wishes of joining the United States Air Force. This was the beginning of one of the most memorable chapters in his life. Craig was an E-4 Sergeant, mechanic on jets with over two engines. He was called to active duty in Vietnam and spent most of his time working and maintaining his KC-135 refueler as a Crew Chief. The Air Force took him across the world through the South Pacific, Western parts of Europe, and Alaska. A lot of stories Craig would share came from his experience as a part time hunting guide in Alaska. While stationed in Okinawa, he met and married Donna Porter. Craig ended his career with the Air Force in 1974 and joined the Air National Guard. He was honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States in June 1976.
Craig and his family set their roots in Iola, KS. Craig attended Allen County Community College from 1978 to 1983 earning his Associates in small business management. During college he began a career working for his father at the Yates Center Locker Plant. In 1985, Craig purchased the Leroy Locker in Leroy, KS. He spent 16 years operating the Locker and providing customers with quality meat. His smoked beef jerky was admired by many. Craig kept himself busy between family, work and helping out others with projects. In 1999, Craig with his father Murl and son Chris purchased a Liquor store in Iola, KS and closed the Locker in 2001. He began working for DART Oil and Gas Corp. in 2006 until he was offered a maintenance position at Gates in Iola in 2014. Craig retired from Gates in March 2019.
Craig was a member of the American Legion in Yates Center for 19 years. He was also a regular blood donor having donated multiple gallons over his lifetime. Craig was a very talented man who could fix or build anything and was especially good at figuring out what he did not already know when he encountered a problem. Craig enjoyed traveling the world with his good friend Greg. He loved visiting with family and friends.
Art and music were a large part of Craig's life. He enjoyed drawing and Craig always had music playing in his home. He listened to and followed many musicians throughout their careers and shared music with family and friends. Most recently he had been introduced to outdoor bluetooth speakers and his neighbors took great joy in hearing his tunes play since he was constantly working outdoors. Since retirement he enjoyed gardening, cooking (his chocolate cookies were the best) and continued helping friends and family.
Craig is survived by his son Christopher and wife Stephanie of Coeur d'alene, ID and daughter Shannon Swanson of Spring Hill, KS., two sisters DeeAnn Freeman and husband Jim of Overland Park, KS, Karen Berman and husband Dave, of Las Vegas, NV., five grandchildren Emily, Amelia, Caden, Carter, and Crosby and two great-grandchildren; Arabella and Olivia as well as many nieces and nephews. Craig was preceded in death by his parents.
Craig was loved by many for his wisdom and gentle spirit. He will be greatly missed.
All are welcome to attend his service that will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Severance Kansas at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 13. Shane Spangler will officiate. Military honors a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Legion in Hiawatha.
The service will be livestreamed thru the funeral home Facebook page: Chapel Oaks Hiawatha & Highland Ks
Service provided by Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha Ks