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Craig Carey                  Send flowers

Services: Sunday September 20, 2026 at 4:00 pm at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in Richwood Add to Google Calendar

Visitation: Friends may call two hours prior to the service at the funeral home in Richwood

Craig Carey, 56 of rural Marion, died Monday September 14, 2026 at his home following a battle with failing health for over a year. He was born April 14, 1970 in Marion to the late Charles Carey and Carolyn Faye (Thacker) Henderson. Surviving is his wife, Laura B. (Ruth) Carey, they were married October 24, 1998 in Marion. Also surviving are their children, Wingate Carey and Hannah Loya. Sister, Chris (Jim) Thomas of Marietta, Georgia Sister-in-law, Aimee (Lane) Warner and their children Hudson and Courtney Craig was a man of practical skill and determination; Craig spent his earlier years working as an equipment operator and a truss designer. Driven by a deep desire to serve others, he made the courageous choice later in life—nearing the age of 40—to transition into the fire service. After starting his journey with the Green Camp Township and Marion Township Fire Departments, he achieved his goal of becoming a firefighter and paramedic for the City of Columbus Division of Fire. His career was defined by unwavering strength, skill, and a quiet compassion for people in their most vulnerable moments. Outside of his uniform, Craig found his greatest joy on the water. His favorite place to be was at Lake Erie, fishing and spending time in a community of wonderful neighbors who quickly became family. Above all, he was immensely proud of his family and celebrated major milestones alongside them, including his youngest child's recent high school graduation. Funeral services celebrating Craig’s life will be held Sunday September 20, 2026 at 4:00 pm at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in Richwood with Pastor Jacob Gilliam officiating. Friends may call two hours prior to the service at the funeral home in Richwood. Burial in the Mt. Olive Cemetery will take place at a later date. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com Directions to Mt. Olive Cemetery Directions to Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home Florist Login

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Condolences       to #1 from: Brent Harper Marion Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 1:04 PM To the entire Carey family you were always cherished in this community and always a pleasure to have known all of you the Harper‘s have you in their thoughts and prayers and God bless you all #2 from: Aunt Velma Thacker/ clabaugh Marion Ohio Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 1:08 PM My dear nephew, Craig will be missed, he was so loved and had a witty sense of humor! He loved his wife and children Hannah and Wingate. Rip my nephew. Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Aunt Velma and Lynn! #3 from: Patti Varnedoe Powell ohio Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 1:19 PM Praying for wand your family. Always great people to be around. #4 from: Nichole Locklear-Fenn RVMS Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 1:21 PM Sending love and prayers as you navigate the loss of your husband and father and friend. #5 from: Tonya Williamson Babson Park Florida Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 1:34 PM Laura & Family, I'm so sorry for yalls loss. I didn't personally know Craig but I definitely heard alot about him and know how much he was loved. Carey family you all are in my thoughts and prayers. #6 from: David Snyder LaRue Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 1:56 PM Prayers for the Carey family. Will cherish our friendship and spring break memories 1988… #7 from: Stacey Flach-Moore Prospect Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 2:03 PM I'm so sorry to hear this....hugs to you and your family. #8 from: Tanyce Addison LaRue Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 2:06 PM Laura and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Will be praying for you. #9 from: Renee Barton Mishawaka, IN Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 2:06 PM Laura Beth, Wingate and Hannah, I was truly saddened to hear of Craig's passing.  He was a wonderful match for Laura and a great dad to the kids.  He was also a wonderful addition to our family.  I hope you know and are comforted in knowing he new how much you loved him.  You are in our hearts and if you need anything, let us know.  We love you all. Renee, Izzy and Andy Barton AND Aunt Mimi Johnson #10 from: Cindy and Steve Willis Virginia Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 2:27 PM We were very saddened to hear of Craig's passing.  Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. #11 from: Charlene Monahan Marion Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 2:48 PM Our deepest sympathy to all of Craig's family...praying for comfort and peace through this difficult time. God bless. Love, Steve and Charlene Monahan #12 from: Joan Steven Columbus Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 3:37 PM Laura and Winn, I can’t even imagine what you’re going through. Craig was a great guy and always made me laugh. Sending you the biggest hugs. #13 from: Rona Penix   Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 5:28 PM So sorry to hear this!My prayers and thoughts are with you! #14 from: Brian West Plain City Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 8:14 PM Laura: I'm incredibly sorry for your loss. I don't know if you remember me, I worked with Craig at Webb.. I was across the wall. He was one of few people I truly respected in this crazy world. My wife and I still speak of him often. I hope your kids got his intuitive brain and his determination. We lost touch minus Facebook and I regret that. He was a very good man. #15 from: Vance Cornelius Marion Ohio Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 8:30 PM Craig and I first met in 9th grade in the vo-ag class at Elgin. From there we became best buddies. We had many similar interests for sure. I have many memories that we shared for sure. Craig and I we're inseparable at this time. Doing stupid things was our best past time. This guy was my best buddy!! This does not seem real at this point but, rest easy my friend. We had so much fun! Condolences to all the family. #16 from: Allison M Ohio Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 9:34 PM Craig was a blessing to CFD. His kindness was so appreciated. I pray for your healing, as this is a tremendous loss to all who knew and loved him. #17 from: Ruth Ann & Roger Stoffer Vero Beach Fl Thu, Sep 17, 2026 at 8:52 AM Laura & Family I am Craig’s aunt in Fl Sending sympathies to you and your family May he rest in peace. God’s blessings #18 from: James Lewis   Thu, Sep 17, 2026 at 12:13 PM Sorry to hear of Craig’s passing. I enjoyed working with Craig at Columbus Fire. Craig will be missed! #19 from: Robert Whalen   Thu, Sep 17, 2026 at 3:25 PM RIP Craig. Praying for you and your family. I miss the talks we had in the bay between shifts. Sad to hear your passing. #20 from: Chris & Jacquie Ayres 181 Hiddenbeach Sat, Sep 19, 2026 at 4:55 PM Memory…Day at Middle Bass Island off my new boat #1. We’ve all been through a lot, but you Laura, and Craig were very helpful to me in a critical time of my life. I’m thankful for having you as neighbors. I hope to give you folks a big hug tomorrow when I see you! Deepest condolences. #21 from: Brent Harper Marion, Ohio Sat, Sep 19, 2026 at 10:55 PM I like to send my condolences to the entire Carey Family and Laurie your family as well From what I knew of Craig, he was a very good man and very well liked in the area knowing the Cary family and the Ruth family for as long as I have I can understand that my thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family at this time God bless you all, Brent Harper

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