Obituary

Carl Craig Cummins Jr, 87, of Mesa, AZ, passed away on November 13, 2024. Born on November 4, 1937, in Topeka, Kansas, Craig was a devoted family man, a beloved coach, and a treasured figure in his community. He graduated from Mesa High School in 1955 and later attended Arizona State University on a track and field scholarship. He gave up his track scholarship to join the US Army Reserve in 1955 for six months of Active Duty at Fort Ord, California, and seven and one-half years of Army Reserve. When he returned from Active Duty, he still needed one year of Basic ROTC, so he joined the 159th Infantry Division in Mesa with Company B.

His military service was a significant part of his life, a testament to his dedication and sacrifice. He completed his Basic Officers’ Course in 1960 in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. There were no artillery openings for second lieutenants, so he was sent to Fort Knox, Kentucky, to a Basic Armor Training Unit for two and a half years. That assignment was extended to 1962 until the Cuban Missile Crisis ended. At that time, he returned to Mesa Company B and took over the Command after six months as the Executive. He graduated from the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He transferred to the 6224th USAR School at Papago Park in Phoenix and served in a Command and General Staff teaching position. His total enlisted and officer military service (active and reserve) was 42 years, and he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Craig was an Assistant Football Coach at Paradise Valley High School in Phoenix for two years (1962-64) and head track coach for one year. In 1964, he moved to the newly opened Westwood High School in Mesa. He earned his Master’s Degree in Education in 1965 and taught American History and Psychology until his retirement in 2001. Craig was the head boys’ varsity swimming coach at Westwood, bringing home the Class 5A State Swimming Champions six times (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1975, 1976). He was inducted into the Mesa City Sports Hall of Fame as both an athlete and a coach and the National Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2014.

Craig’s commitment to his family was evident in his daily interactions and unwavering support. He was constantly present at his children’s and grandchildren’s events, taking every opportunity to celebrate their achievements. His morning walks were a testament to his friendly and approachable nature, often greeting passersby with a warm wave. A man of deep faith in Christ, Craig served diligently in his church and lived as a testament to his values of kindness and integrity. He was dependable and steady, and his word was good.

He was a longtime member of the Mesa HoHoKams, a former board member of the Mesa YMCA, and a member of the Military Order of the World Wars.
He is survived by his wife of almost 45 years, Nancy Horlbeck Cummins; brother, Bruce (Jane) Cummins; children, Carrie Cristine “Cristi” (Greg) Swan, Brian (Julie Stepanek) Cummins, Kyle (Mattie) Cummins, April Mecham, Allyson (Matt) Nyberg, and; 18 grandchildren, whom he adored and cherished; three great-grandchildren, with another due next year. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Craig Cummins Sr. and Margaret Ann Hunt Cummins, and sister, Darlene Blow Campbell.
A service to celebrate Craig’s life will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:30 am at Redemption Church Gilbert, 1820 W. Elliot Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85233. A reception will follow at the church. We encourage all who knew Craig to join us in celebrating his life.