Dan Edward Craig

Longtime Fort Sumner resident Dan Edward Craig, 74, passed away tragically on December 24, 2024 in Fort Sumner.
Dan was born in Fort Sumner to the home of Charlie “Sprout” and Lulu Mae “Jane” Craig. He attended Fort Sumner schools, graduating with the Fort Sumner High School Class of 1968. While in school Dan participated in band and played basketball.
Dan was taught a good work ethic by his parents. Dan and his brother Jesse worked alongside their parents when they operated the Lake Sumner Hideaway and later at Sprout’s Café in Fort Sumner.
Following high school, Dan attended McMurry College in Abilene, TX. He attended Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX and received his master’s degree at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY. Dan served as Pastor at two Methodist Churches in Texas, including the Methodist Church at Hale Center, TX.
He returned to Fort Sumner to care for his parents and for many years operated Sprout’s Café. After the café closed, Dan managed the Fast Stop/Chisum mini-mart in Fort Sumner. He retired from Chisum and went to work at Family Dollar for a time.
Dan was an active member of the Fort Sumner business community for many years. He sponsored the sourdough biscuit toss for Old Fort Days, and served as a director of the Chamber of Commerce for several years.
Dan was a member of First Baptist Church Fort Sumner and was active as a member of the Praise Team. He loved to be part of the music ministries of First Baptist. Dan served in ministry with The Church on The Hill in Fort Sumner for several years. He enjoyed playing the piano and singing.
Dan was an avid reader, enjoying mystery novels. He enjoyed his daily visits to the Fort Sumner Senior Citizens Center.
Dan is preceded in death by his parents; and his brother and sister-in-law Jesse and Bobbie Craig.
Dan is survived by two nieces, Kimberly Joe Perez of Midland, TX and Tracy Yvone Craig of Moscow, ID; along with a host of friends.
A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, January 18, 2025 from the First Baptist Church in Fort Sumner with Dr. Joseph Bunce officiating. Interment of cremains will be held at a later date in the Craig family plot at Fort Sumner Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, NM; (575) 355-2311.