Craig A. Hinderliter

Craig A. Hinderliter, 62, of Ottawa, KS, passed away with his family by his side on Sunday, October 24, 2021. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, October 30, 2021, at Ottawa University Fredrikson Chapel. Family will meet with friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Friday, October 29, 2021, at OU Fredrikson Chapel. Interment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa. If you ever knew Craig, you would know that he had a unique sense of humor. He might just tell you a joke like, "What did the farmer say when he couldn’t find his tractor...?" He may also make you read this whole obituary thing to get the punch line. So, let's start here...Craig was born December 5, 1958, to Alvin and Beth (Tucker) Hinderliter in Ottawa, Kansas where he would spend the remainder of his life. In his senior year at Ottawa High School Craig would be knocked off his feet by the most beautiful woman he would ever lay eyes on, Katherine “Kathy” Price. He was not able to win her over with his Cytone singing skills, but his brutal good looks and charm would eventually (like a week later) triumph. They were young and eternally committed to each other, Craig even carving their initials in an old oak tree down by Imes (Kathy liked that!). Their courtship was swift and the two would marry only months after meeting, on September 17, 1977, and celebrated 44 years of commitment in 2021. They knew in their hearts that their love was everlasting and unbreakable, death being the only thing that would ever separate their physical world. Craig began their marriage working as a carpenter with his family before settling in at the concrete plant, currently operated as Builders Choice Concrete, in 1982 where we he would remain as Plant Manager until the time of his death. Just a few short years after their marriage Craig and Kathy would welcome their beautiful daughter, Sara. Oh yes, they also had a son Lucas before that (who can forget Luke!). The family started their lives in Imes, Kansas, where Craig put his carpentry skills to the test, with the help of his beloved brother, Harold, and a few lifelong friends and turned a single wide trailer into a beautiful home where the family lived until 1993. It was this year that he would finish building their forever home on the farm, Diamond Bar H Ranch. Craig and Kathy would spend nearly the next 30 years building the farm and home of their dreams, minus the squeaky floor in the kitchen. Helping others was second nature for Craig, there were not many things he wouldn’t do to help a loved one or a perfect stranger (except bury a body, Craig definitely wouldn’t help with that). Stories of Craig’s generosity and the impact he had on others are true examples of the man he was. Craig’s friendships reached deeper than most, his friends are just as much family as those sharing his name. There were fewer things that Craig enjoyed more than watching his children excel and providing them every opportunity to do so. The light his grandchildren brought to his eyes was illuminating. But by far his greatest joy in life will forever be seeing Kathy smile, there wasn't a thing he wouldn't do to bring a smile to her face. While Craig's greatest accomplishments include his family, he may have been known for so many other things, including: expert concrete man, carpenter extraordinaire, master mechanic, cattleman, wicked welder, horse showman, son, obedient husband, disobedient husband, dad, grandpa, papa, great grandpa, brother, nephew, good at anything he did, influential, patient, inpatient, understanding, culinary artist, caring, loving without end, beer drinker, meat smoker, golfer, owner of the greatest laugh ever, the best smile that was so damn big and perfect, and just the greatest dude ever. Craig left us too soon and he leaves behind so many people that he loves and will one day embrace in a better place again. Kathy will forever be the love of his life and his eternal light, there was never a love as great as theirs. A son, Lucas Hinderliter of Ottawa was his first born and best friend. Daddy's girl for eternity, his daughter Sara (Hinderliter) Denney of Wellsville. His biggest champion of life, his mother Beth Hinderliter of Ottawa. Honorary parents by marriage Jack and Joann Price of Ottawa. Grandchildren by oldest...Madison Hinderliter (and her daughter River), McKenzie Hinderliter, Lucas Hinderliter Jr., Katelyn Denney, Zachary Hinderliter, and honorary granddaughters Molly and Emily Scott. Brother Randy (Kathy), sister Wanda Polson (Mike), sister by marriage Margie Hinderliter, sister and brother-in-law Rene and Steve Reese. His unkie Larry Hinderliter (Lucille), his aunt Theo Escobedo and husband Isaias. Craig was adored by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and too many friends to name. On Sunday, October 24, 2021, Craig lost his war with pancreatic cancer after giving the horrible disease one hell of a fight. He is joined in death with his father Alvin Hinderliter, his beloved brother Harold Hinderliter, grandparents, and many friends and family lost through the years. To know Craig was to know a friend, to lose Craig is to lose a piece of your heart. Craig lived his life in dignity and respect and would expect nothing less from anyone. Be true, be kind, work hard, take care of your loved ones, take care of yourselves, go on that trip, never take life for granted, and have a beer in his honor. Craig would be honored if you would make a donation to the Franklin County Cancer Foundation c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S Hickory, Ottawa, KS 66067. And that farmer…he asked, “Where’s my tractor?”