In loving memory of

Jeremy Rex Craighton
December 26, 1981 - January 1, 2019

Jeremy Rex Craighton was born December 26, 1981 to Larry D. and Deborah K. Waddell Craighton in Hampton, Iowa. He attended and graduated from Rockwell-Swaledale School. Jeremy was baptized into Christ April 3, 2004 at the Church of Christ in Mason City, Iowa. He went home to be with his Lord January 1, 2019 at his home in Russellville, Kentucky.

Jeremy was always patriotic. Teachers and fans at school game always commented that Jeremy was the kid that was always at attention with hand on his heart whenever the national anthem was played. After high school he tried the college life and worked a few jobs before he enlisted in the US Army April of 2004. He did basic training in Ft. Knox, Kentucky and was stationed in Ft. Drum, New York. He was deployed in support of Iraqi freedom for a year from August 2005 until July 2006. He was honorably discharged November 2007 with disability severance.

Jeremy moved back to north Iowa after discharge where he worked as a mechanic and a purchasing agent before he returned to a service life by training and working as an EMT and volunteering as a fireman. Jeremy moved to Clarksville, Tennessee with his wife Jessica and son Evan. While there he worked at a care center and co-founded River Rat boat shop with his army buddy Jeff. He later enjoyed his work at Cumberland trucks in Nashville, Tennessee. Jeremy enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time on the river with his friends and sons Matthew, Brayden, Evan, and Trent.

Jeremy will be lovingly remembered by his wife Jessica, sons Matthew, Brayden, Evan, and Trent and his parents Larry and Deborah Craighton, and Grandma Dorothy Waddell. He is survived by his wife, sons, parents, and brother, Jason and wife Amy and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He also had some special friends Melissa and Savannah Sitz, Desiree Wilson, and Hannah and Lucas Collins. He was preceded in death by his sister Jennifer in 1999, Grandpa and Grandma Craighton and Grandpa Waddell.

His smile and personality made a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. He had a giant personality and professionalism. He will be missed by all.

Tributes

Keith Boone wrote on Jan 6, 2019:

"I knew Jeremy from FT Drum. We were deployed together and worked as team mates inside of Sadr City, Iraq. I have nothing but good memories from out time stationed together in New York. My heart is breaking at hearing that he has passed. Prayers are going out to his family. I know that there will be a reunion one day. You will be missed my brother in arms. "

Janet Schaak wrote on Jan 5, 2019:

"My brother in arms, I wish you well journey, and that you have peace. You always were good to me during all those tough times in Iraq. You never once failed at creating a smile, sharing your love for others, and to help keep focused on what waited for us at home. You were always, most honorable gentleman, and wonderful father. I still have a lot of work here to complete before I join you one day. Until then, keep the mead cups filled in Valhalla, and save me a seat at our table of warriors. May all the hearts of your loved ones heal soon, and may we all raise each other up in your honor. "

jane Fouts-Johnson wrote on Jan 3, 2019:

"Thinking of you during this sorrowful time. So very sorry for your loss. "

Krystle Bosch-Allison wrote on Jan 3, 2019:

"Jeremy was a friend from the get go, he was always there for me. I have so many great memories in school. I am so sad to hear of his passing. Heaven gained a beautiful soul and he will forever be missed. Will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love and hugs to you"

Megan Willis wrote on Jan 3, 2019:

"I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you."

Cari Woodford wrote on Jan 3, 2019:

"Dear Deb and Larry, Our hearts are breaking for your family and Jeremy. He was Andy?s childhood best friend and like a brother to Cari. Please know our prayers are with you and his boys! Love, LaDonna, Cari and Andy Woodford "

Jeffrey Dilcher wrote on Jan 3, 2019:

"Brother I'm at a loss, for words, my feelings, my thoughts, my heart. We served together, we fought together, we are best friends and always will be. Until Valhalla my brother. Keep the drinks on ice for us I love you and miss you dearly. Jeff "

Mark Hinton wrote on Jan 3, 2019:

"Dear Deb, Larry and family, Mark and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Can't even imagine what you are going thru. We are sending much sympathy and will keep in you in heart and prayer. Love. Mark and Cindi Hinton"

Amber wrote on Jan 3, 2019:

"To my Echo Company brother Jeremy Craighton. You will be missed, and was truly loved. Fly high and sleep peacefully until we meet again. From Sgt. Clark"

Michelle Collins, 1SG, USA RET wrote on Jan 3, 2019:

"Jeremy was a great Battle who I had the pleasure of serving with in Iraq. I was his 1SG and his expertise was top notch. We stayed in touch and shared thoughts from time to time. An Echo Company Eagle flew to the heavens. Love you Jeremy???# Climb to Glory Battle"