Craig Edward Whitman, Sr.

Craig Whitman Sr. was born on February 13, 1956, in Liberty, Tennessee, and spent most of his life in Toledo, Ohio, where he passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

He was a man who gave all he had to one life to live. He wasn’t perfect, and he wouldn’t want us to pretend he was, but he was genuine, sincere, and steadfast in his beliefs. He loved his family with his whole heart. His children and long marriage were among the proudest accomplishments of his life, but it was his grandchildren who brought him his deepest joy.

Craig had a beautiful singing voice and was a talented musician. Some of his children’s fondest memories are of him singing to them while playing his guitar when they were little. Those simple moments left a lasting imprint of comfort and love. Some of his favorite songs to play included All I Have to Do Is Dream, Last Kiss, Little Red Riding Hood, House of the Rising Sun, Love Me Tender, Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys, Puff, the Magic Dragon, and Hotel California.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Dana, and their three children: Craig “Buddy” (Nicole) Whitman Jr., Jennifer Molnar (Matt), and John “Adam” (Sadie) Whitman. He was the proud grandfather of seven: two beautiful granddaughters, Alyssa and Savanna (Whitman), and five wonderful grandsons, Matthew, Luke, Jacob, Jesse (Molnar), and Benjamin (Whitman). He is also survived by his sisters, Janice Whitman and Michelle (Gary) Moore.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie Whitman and Bobbie Wells Laster, as well as his siblings, Donna Ward and Larry Whitman.

Craig served in the United States Navy and spent much of his working life as a skilled tradesman. He was a self-taught computer engineer, a published author, and a passionate artist who enjoyed painting landscapes and cosmic scenes that reflected his imagination and curiosity. He was also an accomplished genealogist, taking great pride in researching and tracing his family’s lineage back hundreds of years, preserving their history for generations to come.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Many will also remember him for his sharp-witted, politically spirited social media posts. He truly enjoyed stirring the pot and making people think.

If you would like to send condolences please kindly send them directly to Dana Whitman.

The family will be welcoming guests at their home on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. please reach out to them if you are in need of directions.