Craig Garrett Anderson

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Craig Garrett Anderson (Sunnyvale, Texas), born in Dallas, Texas, who passed away on April 3, 2023, at the age of 75, after his short battle with cancer. He is preceded in death by parents, Edward and Frances Anderson, grandparents William and Lillian Garrett, and Aunt Mildred Ponder Burns. Craig grew up in the Lakewood Area of Dallas, Texas, and had wonderful memories of spending each summer with his grandparents on their farm near Marlin, TX. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1965. After High School he attended East Texas State University where he eventually earned a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture and Master's Degree in Education. Those who knew Craig, know his education did not stop there, as he was a lifelong learner always curious about the world around him. Craig loved his country and was proud to be an American. Before graduating college he joined the U.S. Navy serving our country during the Vietnam War. He served on the USS Iwo Jima and continued in the U.S. Navy Reserves afterward. Craig began his career with the Dallas Fire Department in 1973 as a Fire Prevention Officer and continued for 30 years, retiring in 2003 as a Fire Prevention Lieutenant in the Fire Marshall's Office. During his time at the Department, he held a number of roles, including often appearing as Sparky the Fire Dog. Craig also was an integral part in establishment of the Department's first ever Fire Safety House, where they would teach the community about fire safety and how to escape fires. He loved interacting with people and teaching. Craig is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Mary, children, Christopher Alan Anderson, Krista Doreen Acuff (James), Chase Garrett Anderson (Lauren), grandchildren, Kylie Ann Anderson, Colin Garrett Anderson, Benjamin Garrett Acuff, Kenzie Grace Anderson, Nathan James Acuff and Jonathan Lewis Acuff, sister Susan Anderson and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 8, 2023, in the chapel of New Hope Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service (9:00 am). Burial will follow the funeral service at Mesquite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to First United Methodist Church Mesquite, 300 N Galloway Ave Mesquite, TX 75149