Craig Lee Evans, 52, of Springfield, Missouri passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

Craig is preceded in death by his grandparents, B.H. and Hazel Reeves, Bill Evans, and Barbara and Coleman Lloyd; his aunt, Elizabeth Becraft; his cousin, Tadd Campbell; and his fur babies, Dixie, Buster, and Pawsie.

Craig is survived by his parents, Barbara and Keith Evans; his sister, Rebecca Evans, and her children Bhodi and Sully Kroen; his aunts, Ruth Irwin, Monique Johnson, Nancy Campbell, and Anita Garr; his uncles, Bill Evans, Linton Evans, Alfred Orosco, and Chuck Orosco; his cousins, Mary Beth Allison, Chad Campbell, and Tara Campbell; his best friends Dwane Turnage and Amelia Koeser and her son, Henry Lisle; and many other dear friends and colleagues.

Craig was born on August 5, 1972, in Huntsville, Alabama. He spent his childhood in Alabama helping his grandfather on the farm where he rode tractors, combines, cotton pickers, and a large amount of time riding along in the farm trucks, which fostered his love of tractors, old trucks, and trains. Craig moved with his family to Springfield, Missouri, where he attended junior high school, and went on to graduate from Kickapoo High School in 1990. Craig attended the University of Mississippi, a.k.a. Ole Miss, where he was initiated into the Delta Psi Fraternity in 1991.

Craig eventually made his way back to Springfield and began to lay down his roots. He began his corporate career working in finance before transitioning into the insurance industry. He succeeded in both endeavors, quickly rising the ranks to become everyone's favorite manager. He took immense pride in his work in insurance and in the certifications in which he earned; most notably the prestigious CPCU, Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter, from The Institutes.

Through his tough exterior, Craig had a heart of gold that always brightened up every room. He was a master at using humor and wit to make any story interesting. He was always the first to step in humbly and quietly to offer his help to anyone who needed it. He was an excellent leader, problem solver, and a great listener. Craig's love for learning was contagious, encouraging those around him to always grow and improve themselves. He was your biggest cheerleader, especially once you met or exceeded your goals.

Craig lived a rich and full life where he enjoyed reading, history, drawing, gardening, baseball, college football, specifically the Ole Miss Rebels and Alabama Crimson Tide, discovering new hobbies, and connecting with his many friends. Craig will be greatly missed by so many, but he will never be forgotten.

A celebration of Craig's life will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Cherry Street Baptist Church, 1201 S. Oak Grove Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65804. There will be a visitation at 10:00 am, followed by a service at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Craig's name to Rescue One at Donate – Rescue One .