Donnie Craig Annen

Craig Annen, 72, of Amarillo, passed on May 18, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family.

The Memorial Service will be Friday, May 24, 2024, at 10:00 am at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S, Georgia with Pastor Greg Corona officiating.

Craig was born in Dimmitt, Texas to his parents Donald Frank and Betty Sue Jones Annen on March 27, 1952.  On January 2, 1982, Craig married Janie Thorne, for the next 42 years they would celebrate life together along with their daughter Kristen, and son Brandon. Craig often spoke of working on his grandparents farm where at a very young age, his Grandad taught him to do things the right way and to finish whatever he started.

Craig served as a Boiler Technician on the USS Coral Sea while in the Navy. He later worked in a variety of trades such as carpet installation, tile installation, plumbing, and painting. He would use the skills he learned to develop a career in the maintenance field, working in apartment and nursing home maintenance. While at the nursing home, he was able to successfully prepare the facility for its first accrediting organization survey for his department. Craig later started working independently as the owner of his own residential maintenance service.

Craig loved to seek new adventures, such as white water rafting and parasailing. He also loved to snow ski, go camping, visit historical sites, amusement parks, and museums. He loved to travel, with many weekend trips to Angel Fire and Ruidoso, New Mexico. A family train ride from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Anaheim, California remained one of his favorites. He enjoyed being with family. His love for his children was demonstrated by spending time with them, building a sandbox with a hinged lid and a playhouse. He enjoyed Kristen and Brandon’s friends coming over and spending time with the family. Some friends continue to return as adults to visit, even though Kristen and Brandon are not there.  Craig loved to be around his grandchildren, Keaton and Kacie. They were the light of his life.

Craig is survived by his wife, Janie; daughter Kristen and her son Keaton; son Brandon and his wife Kylie and their daughter Kacie; his sister Linda Peters and her husband Curt; brother Mick Annen and his wife Kay; sister Candice Fuller and her husband Sam; many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, loved ones, and friends. Janie would like to express her gratitude to her work family at BSA for their ongoing support and encouragement during Craig’s illness. The family would like to express their gratitude to the VA staff, notably Elisha and Tammy, Accent Hospice Care, notably Miranda, Cheri, and Christian. The resources to improve the quality of Craig’s life were facilitated by each of you with love and dignity. The family would also like to recognize Regina and Amanda, who provided care and developed a friendship during the most difficult time.

And when he gets to Heaven,

To Saint Peter he will tell, 

One more Annen here to lend a hand,

I hope to do it well.