Craig Waggoner

Craig Waggoner, 62, of Robinson, IL, passed away on July 28, 2023, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN. He was born on May 8, 1961, in Lawrenceville, IL, to Larry and Kaye (Zellers) Waggoner, who survive. Craig lived a life filled with love, passion, and a remarkable sense of humor.

He grew up in Porterville, where he attended grade school, and then graduated from Robinson High School in 1979. Craig was an accomplished athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball he played as a pitcher and third baseman and then a walk-on to the team at Southern Illinois University. Later, Craig attended Lincoln Trail College, receiving a petro tech degree.

Craig's work history was as diverse as his interests. In high school, he worked at John Nichols Marathon gas stations, helped on Charlie Rains hog farm, and later worked for the county highway department. After these jobs, Craig got on at Marathon, where he dedicated over 30 years of his life. After he retired, Craig enjoyed his part-time work at Sherwood-Inboden Landscaping, and he continued working after it became Smitty’s Garden Center until his health declined.

On June 25, 1982, Craig married his high school sweetheart, LaDonna Pippin, whom he started dating when they were 16; the two of them were inseparable throughout their 46 years together. In addition to his parents and wife, Craig is survived by their children, Jonathan Waggoner, Kaylie & Zak Walls, and Jayce Waggoner; his grandchildren, Khloe Walls, Bentley Waggoner, Kynlie Walls, Cayden Waggoner and Evelyn Walls. He is also survived by his siblings, Brenda & Dave Cowdrey and Mark & Melissa Waggoner; his brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Bob & Antje Pippin and Steve & Karen Pippin; step-granddaughter, Rhianna Moss; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill & Shirley Pippin; also his brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Greg & Janice Pippin; and by his very special niece, Cassie Pippin.

Craig had many passions. He was a dedicated coach, leading his son's all-star baseball team to state. He adored his grandchildren and loved spending time with them, engaging in outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, riding the 4-wheeler, and playing hide and seek. He was a sports enthusiast, a die-hard fan of the Cubs, Bulls, and Chicago Bears, and took great joy in watching his grandkids play sports.

A man of faith, Craig attended the Porterville Congregational Christian Church as a child and was a proud member of the New Hebron Baptist Church, where he also served as a trustee.

He loved mushroom hunting and was an avid hunter, often traveling to Missouri and other states like Colorado, Kentucky, and Idaho for hunting trips. A competitive soul, Craig was known as the most challenging pickleball player in the area, often traveling far and wide to compete.

One of Craig's favorite pastimes was driving around with his grandkids or best friends, binoculars in hand, looking for turkey or deer. Being an athlete made Craig extremely competitive. He liked to compete in almost anything, including seeing who could grow the best corn, himself or his father, in the garden he would plant every year. Yet, his generous spirit shone through, especially in his drive to support his church.

Craig Waggoner was a man of many talents and passions. He was a jokester who loved to make people laugh and had a knack for making up songs. He was an avid storm watcher and was the family’s warning system when a storm was coming. Above all, he was a beloved family man, a generous friend, and a passionate sportsman. His passing leaves a void that will be challenging to fill, but his memory will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 2nd, at New Hebron Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 3rd, at the church, with Pastor Lee Gurley officiating. Burial will be in the Kirk Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to "New Hebron Baptist Church", or “Helping His Hands Disaster Response” with envelopes available at the church.