Craig F. Grant
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Craig F. Grant, born December 12, 1945 in Des Moines, Iowa, died at Lawrence Memorial Hospital on September 6, 2018, after a long illness.
A memorial service will be held September 12, 2018 at First United Methodist Church West Campus at 4 p.m.
Craig’s parents, Francis and Gladys Grant, moved the family to Kansas City, where Craig attended and graduated from Shawnee Mission North. Craig went on to graduate from K.U.’s School of Education with Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in 1967 and then 1970. He taught social studies at West Junior High for four years. Craig then became a Uniserv Director for KNEA and then became KNEA’s Director of Political Action until he retired in 2003. Craig then became Chief of Staff for Paul Davis and Legislative Director for Anthony Hensley for several years.
Craig and Judith Anne Taylor were married on September 7, 1985. Their son, Mitchell C. Grant, was born in 1987. Craig was elected to the Lawrence School Board of Education in 2004 and served for one term. He enjoyed being an “Old Goat” for Boy Scout Troop 53 while Mitchell was in the troop. Craig was a member of First United Methodist Church; a Friend of the Library volunteer; an avid tennis and pickleball player. He was always a K.U. Jayhawk fan. Craig volunteered for the K.U. Relays for over 30 years. He loved to be in the Colorado mountains.
Craig is survived by his wife, Judy, his son, Mitchell; his sister-in-law, Jean L. Myers; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jerry and Syl Taylor; extended family mother-in-law, Mary Turkington; and nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to diabetes or cancer organizations and may be sent in care of the mortuary.
God bless you My deepest sympathy
for all
So sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you all.
Dave and MaryKate Ambler
We were shocked and sadden to learn of Craig’s passing. You and your family have our heartfelt sympathy.
So sorry, Judy, for the loss of Craig. He was such a caring man. Prayers!
The passing of friends is so sad. My condolences to Judy, Mitchell and all of the family.
I know no words that can ease the pain or fill the void in your heart, Judy. Just know that you and Mitchell are in our hearts and embraced by our love.
E. C. and Anne Walker
Mitchell and Judy, You both were so lucky to share your lives with Craig. A true mensch in every sense. He had great love for both of you and for the education of all children. He was brilliant, kind, compassionate and funny. His passing is such a loss, know how much he was loved, respected and admired by so many.
I am so sorry to hear of Craig’s passing. He was kind, very knowledgeable and willing to share with those of us in the Capitol who were less experienced.
Craig, Judy, & Mitchell Grant=Good folk!
I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a very kind man, great husband and father. I have wonderful memories of you guys building our tennis shelter. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to know your whole family.
Laura Smysor
My deepest sympathy to Judy and Mitchell. Craig was a tennis companion for over three decades. His keen insight into current events his wit and positive outlook will be sorely missed. Fairness was his “Hallmark’,, no one ever questioned a Craig Grant “line call”
As a teacher & as a legislator I always appreciated Craig’s advocacy & his friendship … we remember him well ! ‘Blessings & Blue Skies’
We started at West together and I was sorry to see him leave. But I very much appreciated his long efforts on behalf of teachers. I will always be grateful.
Judy and Mitch, Craig’s goodness and spirit will always be with us.
Craig was one of the good guys, to be sure. My sympathies to you all.
We remember Craig as our NEA Uniserve Director in Leavenworth. He was always available to help us at Ft. Leavenworth USD 207 and we were grateful for his expertise. We send our sincere sympathies to his family.
Craig and I were hired in that first group of six UniServe Directors. We shared an office for several years in Lawrence. Craig was one of the nicest people I ever knew. I can’t remember him ever saying anything mean spirited about another person. And he was a great champion for teachers. Working a due process hearing, in contact bargaining, and in the legislature he was the best! Dave Johnson, Grove Oklahoma.
I am saddened for the passing of my friend and political ally, Craig Grant. He was a true and faithful advocate for the thousands of Kansans who make a difference in the noblest of all professions – that of a public school teacher. And, he advised and helped countless candidates for the Kansas Legislature to be their advocates as well. For me personally, Craig was an invaluable resource when he worked in my office for the Senate Democratic caucus. But, when all else is said about Craig Grant, his greatest attribute in relationships with friend or foe is that he was a genuinely good guy. My thoughts and prayers are with Judy, Mitchell, the family, and Craig’s long and steadfast friend, Mary Turkington.
Anthony Hensley
Senate Democratic Leader
“Mr. Grant” was my teacher at West Jr. High school back in early 1970’s…he was an awesome teacher!!! I kept in touch w/ Mr. Grant every so often when he used to play tennis w/ my father Bob Bong. My sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to Mr. Grant’s family…he was a very good person, always sincere and genuine!!! God Bless.
Craig was such a dedicated worker for the Lawrence schools and for Kansas public education. We are so grateful to him for his work and for speaking out so forcefully for our public education. We send our heartfelt sympathy to Craig’s family and many friends.
Craig Grant was an exceptional human, and humanity is the better for his having passed this way. My thoughts are with you, Judy, Mitch, Jean and Mary.
My thoughts and condolences are with Judy and Mitchell. Such a loss, and yet such a blessing, to have had Craig in your life, if only for a short while.
I only knew Craig through pickleball and trivia but I could tell almost immediately that he was a very good person. I will miss his wit and humor and competitiveness. My deepest sympathy to Judy.
Craig was a wonderful cousin, and I have many happy memories of growing up. Whether it was visiting in Des Moines, Shawnee Mission or Minneapolis, we had fun. I will always remember his kindness and wonderful sense of humor. My deepest sympathy to Judy, Mitchell and the entire extended family.
To Judy I was surprised and saddened to read Craig’s obit in today’s paper. Craig was one of the good guys. I was lucky to have known him even for a short while. You and your family are in my prayers.
Judy and Mitchell, we are so sad to hear about you losing Craig. Our sincere sympathy goes out to you and all of your family. You are all in our prayers.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. KU School of Education