Lieutenant Colonel Craig Jonathan Larson, USAF, Retired, passed away on September 15, 2022. He was a devoted husband and a proud father who loved God, his country, and his family and friends. He was a distinguished officer, talented musician and athlete, and an inspirational friend and mentor. Craig was born on December 20, 1961, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Maur ice and Margi t (Teigen) Larson. His family later moved to the Quad Cities, where he attended school in Illinois and Iowa. Craig graduated from West High School in Davenport, Iowa, in 1980. There he played in both band and orchestra, and also played football and ran track and field. Craig received a Bachelor of Science in Economics at the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1984, where he was a member of the Academy’s Drum and Bugle Corps. He later earned a master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Troy University. Craig served his country as a distinguished Air Force officer. His 28-year career took him around the globe, and his assignments included Arizona; Belgium; Germany; Korea; Washington, DC; and finally, Oklahoma. At his 2012 retirement ceremony, he was recognized for his heroic actions on September 11th, 2001, where he ran to the Pentagon and helped care for those injured in the attack. In addition, during his time as a weapons director in the AWACS program, he successfully prevented an AWACS aircraft from being shot down while on a security mission. Craig lived a full life of purpose, passion, and adventure during his six decades, and he shared his passion for travel and world cultures with his family. While assigned to SHAPE Headquarters in Belgium, he and his family earned Volunteer Family of the Year. Craig was a gifted violinist, and loved playing for the enjoyment of others. He loved trains, planes, travel, adventure, nature, genealogy, and history. Craig displayed a fierce warrior spirit, dedicated to protecting others. In retirement, Craig spent countless hours volunteering with the American Red Cross, the 45th Infantry Museum, and the Oklahoma Railroad Museum. He was preceded in death by his father, Maurice; an infant sister Karen; two angel babies; his in-laws, Beverly and Preston Boles; and other cherished family members. He is survived by his devoted wife, Bonnie of nearly 35 years; two children, Amy Artz (Zachary) of Dallas, Texas; and Chad Larson (Kristin) of Lone Grove, Oklahoma; his mother Margit, of Crofton, Maryland; sister Ruth Larson, Colonel, USAF Reserve, Ret., of Bowie, Maryland; brother Mark (Janice) Larson, Sergeant, US Army, Ret. of Parsons, Kansas; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nephews and nieces, and many friends around the world whom he considered family. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 21st from 6 to 8 PM at the Craddock Funeral Home in Ardmore, Oklahoma. A memorial service will be held at the US Air Force Academy Community Chapel in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Monday, September 26th at 1PM. The date also marks his 35th wedding anniversary with his beloved Bonnie. The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to Good Shephard Hospice of Ardmore, and the staff at the Ardmore Veterans Home for their dedicated care and support. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Craig’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, The Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnels to Towers Foundation, or a charity of your choosing.