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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E45-E46]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF CRAIG M. STEPHENS
______
HON. TIM RYAN
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Craig
M. Stephens, age 74, who passed away peacefully at his home on August
28, 2018, surrounded by his family.
Craig was born in Columbus, Kansas in 1944, the son of two teachers.
After moving to Ohio in 1956, he attended Kent State University High
School before graduating from Kent State University in 1968. Craig was
actively involved in student government. He was elected as the first
Student Body President at KSU, he revived the Democrat Club, and he was
invited to the White House. As an undergraduate, he also managed John
Carson's successful campaign for Kent Mayor and at age 22 was named
Safety Director for the City of Kent from 1966 to 1968.
After graduation, Craig enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as
Special-Agent Military Intelligence for 3 years. Following his
honorable discharge, Craig enrolled in Akron University Law School
where he began his career in the law offices of Giulitto and Dickinson
after graduating in 1973. Soon after, he started his own private
practice where he represented the rights of the working class
specializing in criminal law. Craig was well respected throughout the
region as an intelligent, straight shooting attorney who always told it
like it is. Beyond his practice though, Craig volunteered his time and
expertise to organizations such as the NAACP, Boys & Girls Club,
NEOCAP, Juvenile Detention Center, Portage Country Community Action
Council, and Waterloo School District. Until his death, Craig continued
to selflessly serve his community as the Chairman of the Portage County
Democratic Party and Member and Chairman of the Portage County Board of
Elections.
Over 50 years of service, Craig played a critical role in the
campaigns of over 60 local, state and national officials turning
Portage County into a stronghold for the Democratic Party with his
labeled ``green machine'' featuring his candidates' signature green
political signs. Labeled the ``King Maker'', Craig was known for
challenging the Democratic establishment and introducing new candidates
into the party. Over the same time period, Craig took similar pride
turning the family property in Randolph from an old farm into a
showpiece that held every County Democratic Picnic since the early
1990s, numerous wedding and birthday events and kids camping
overnights. He could typically be found working in his barn or out
operating equipment, most recently joined by his grandson, Xavier, who
liked nothing more than working on equipment with his Grandpa.
Craig was married to the love of his life and his better half, Ruth
(Enlow), for 42 years. Together they have two children, Justin Stephens
and Samantha (Hank) Stephens/Brooks; and two grandchildren, Xavier and
[[Page E46]]
Simone. Craig is survived by his sisters, Sylvia (Pete) Klas of
Minnesota, and Pam Valentine of Ravenna; nephews Matt (Ashley) and
Robert Valentine and Paul (Angela) Klas and numerous family and
friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Adalyn
Stephens and his brother, Chuck Stephens.
Craig Stephens leaves a lasting impact. I know he is dearly missed by
his family and the entire community. I extend my deepest and sincerest
condolences.
____________________