Derrek Craig

Derrek Don Craig, 44, of Rawlins, Wyo., passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016.  

He was born on April 29, 1971, in Cody, Wyo., to Mildred and Harold Craig of Meeteetse, Wyo.  

Derrek was a 1990 graduate of Meeteetse High School. He then attended the University of Wyoming where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation and Park Administration. While at the university he met and married Cathleen Marie Stahl in 1992. Derrek and Cathleen were blessed with their only son, Jared Allen Craig, in 1993.  

Derrek worked in both the Shoshone and Medicine Bow National Forests maintaining backcountry trails, fighting fires and as a Recreation Officer. He graduated from the Wyoming State Police Academy and began his law enforcement career in Casper, Wyo. He continued as a police officer in Encampment, Wyo., where he was promoted to Police Chief. Derrek served as a Carbon County Deputy Sheriff advancing to the rank of Sergeant and then Captain. He was a Field Training Officer, a member of the S.T.A.R. Team, a Taser instructor; he also trained and worked with a K-9 officer/partner. Derrek was very proud to be a law enforcement officer and always did the best he could to represent the profession.  

Derrek loved the outdoors, animals, and football. He was a hardworking man with a huge heart. Derrek had a rare quality that seemed to attract animals and humans alike. He was a loving husband and father who would do anything for his family and friends. 

Survivors include his wife, Cathleen; son, Jared; mother, Mildred Craig; two sisters, Nicki (Andy) Gitlitz and Marilyn (Mead) Davis; two brothers, Warren (Jackie) Craig and Tracy Craig; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

He will also be missed greatly by his second family, Lewis, Mary Jane, Cynthia and Christopher (Tonya) Stahl.

Derrek was preceded in death by his father, Harold Craig. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Derrek's memory to the Derrek Craig Memorial Fund c/o Cathleen Craig, 21 Irma Flats Dr., Cody, Wyoming 82414.

Tributes and condolences may be offered online at http://www.carboncountyfuneralhome.com.

A celebration of Derrek's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Meeteetse High School gymnasium followed by a luncheon at the St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Meeteetse.