Kenneth “Craig” Pollard, 61, St. Joseph, Missouri, went home to our Lord on Saturday, October 28, 2023, with his loved ones by his side.
Craig was born February 12, 1962 to Linda Rose and Kenneth Pollard, Sr. in beautiful Fresno, California. He resided there until his early teen years, when his family moved to the St. Joseph area in 1976; Craig was a 1980 graduate of Elwood High School.
In 1981, he began his 38-year career at Johnson Controls in St. Joe, where he made numerous lifelong friends and met his wife, Susie. Craig was best known at JC for his smile and always putting a smile on the faces of those around him.
He retired in 2021 to spend more time fishing on his kayak, mushroom hunting and traveling. Craig was an avid outdoorsman, story teller, seafood connoisseur and he loved his family immensely.
He married Susie Pollard on February 20, 2001 in Las Vegas. Together, they attended Grace Calvary Chapel, where they were actively involved in their small care group.
Craig will be remembered for his sense of humor, excessive use of his camera, his easy-going personality, and his love for living life to the fullest.
Craig is survived by his wife, Susie Pollard; mother, Linda Foster of Fresno, CA; sister, Lana (Milton) Higgins of Fresno, CA; brothers, James (Melissa) and Robert; his three children, Halee Russell, Hiawatha, KS, Aaron (Carissa) Pollard, Savannah, MO, and Lance Pollard, Tonkawa, OK; 10 grandchildren; 4 step-children, Jessica Barker, Melissa (Mark) McMain, Amber (Ryan) Cockrum, and Aaron (Kelsie) Dixon; 7 step-grandchildren; and many, many friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Pollard, Sr.; stepfather, Leo Foster; his grandmother, Marion Van Dusen; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Norman “Alex” and Mary Smiley.
Farewell Services 10:00 AM. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Kenneth Pollard Memorial Fishing Fund, which will provide fishing equipment and supplies to children in foster care.
