Craig Douglas Martindale: February 29, 2020

Published 1:49 pm Friday, March 6, 2020

On February 29, 2020, Craig Douglas Martindale was set free from the shackles of ALS and was received into the fulness of the love of Jesus Christ.  He was born November 17, 1955, the third son of Virginia Shiffer Martindale and Ellery Mead Martindale.

He was the always devoted and proud father of his daughter,  Emily, whom he raised from the time she was 6 months old and she survives him. He is also survived by his nieces, Sophia, Devon and Aynsley and his older brother, Vivan.

Craig had an intuitive understanding of all things mechanical. When two heart attacks removed him from the workforce he became the devoted caregiver of his eldest brother,  David, who also died of Familial ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). He later discovered a new family in the intentional community of Koinonia Farm where he freely gave his mechanical and creative gifts. He found a spiritual home and was drawn deeply into the love of Jesus Christ through St. Mary’s Catholic church in Americus GA where he also served faithfully.

Craig generously gave his gifts, skills and resources to those in need; often unknown to others. He treated all with dignity and equality. But he had a sharp intolerance for arrogance,  manipulation and meanness,  especially when directed toward the vulnerable,  the disadvantaged and children. Craig was a life-long learner expecting much of himself and others. As a listener he also heard others’ pain and often saw more in others than they saw in themselves.  “Learn from the past. Love in the present. Hope in the future. “

ALS has claimed lives in the Martindale family for over 200 years. Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association for Familial ALS Research. Online at: ALSA.ORG or sent to: The ALS Association  PO Box 37022  Boone IA 50037-0022

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 AM Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Americus GA. Craig will be buried in his hometown of Binghamton, NY beside his family.

Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel is in charge of these arrangements.