Donald Douglas "Doug" McCraw's Obituary
Doug was born March 23, 1944 and died on January 23, 2016, of complications of Parkinson’s. He was born in Sand Springs, Okla., to Virgil and Gatha McCraw. The family moved to Fresno, Cal., when he was a child; he frequently introduced himself as a “CIO” –California Improved Okie. Doug joined the Air Force following graduation from Roosevelt HS in Fresno. He served in several parts of the world, first as a part of the Special Operations Unit, and then as a Loadmaster on the C141 airplane, including 3 tours in Vietnam.
Following his retirement from the AF, he was employed by the US Postal Service, then as a travel agent, and owner of SeaWorld Travel.
He graduated from Green River Community College with an Associates of Art in Computer Sciences and worked at the Fort Lewis Computer Lab.
Doug met Vernetta “Joy” Muston on a blind date in November, 1975, and married her on Valentine’s Day, 1976, stating “that way I will never forget our anniversary”.
Doug was a member of VFW, Eagles and Elks.
He is survived by his wife Vernetta Joy McCraw and sister Stella, and several nieces and nephews.. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Joe and Virgil, Jr.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00/PM on Friday, January 27, 2017 at Agnus Dei Lutheran Church, 10511 Peacock Hill Ave. NW Gig Harbor WA. Interment service with military honors will be held at 1:30/PM on Wednesday February 1, 2017 at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St Kent, WA. Gathering at the cemetery will begin at 1:00/PM. Family and friends kindly invited.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Washington ELKS Therapy Program, which supports care for crippled children and was a special interest of his.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home, Lakewood WA.
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