Craig Langford LaGrone Sr.

Birth date: Jun 22, 1943 Death date: Nov 11, 2023

In Loving Memory of Craig (Coach) Langford LaGrone, Sr. Craig LaGrone, Sr. joined family and dear friends in the presence of his Lord on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2023. He left us unexpectedly, having collapsed while walking to Read Obituary

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Jack Reeder

89w ago

A Sunset Past

It was a glorious day today! Bright sun peeking between puffy cumulus A cool breeze - our jackets drawn close.

A walk alongside the Great River As hot springs warm our feet,

Cliffs rise on either bank Cooling our notions of significance, and Swallows swirl,

twittering - their chatter Drawing our eyes to clifftops and aeries, To a sky now figured with horsetails of cirrus.

Our vision of the sun sinks, then A message arrives reminding us the time is late.

It strikes us suddenly, sullenly, Not without a tear. We ponder a life,

a day, A time which just today seemed long ... Stunned,

the darkness now surrounds us. The sunset, reported fiery by fellows

Fades in gray monotones to black, The colors missed.

- By Jackson Reeder, November 19, 2023

For Craig LaGrone, a US Navy veteran, who died November 11, 2023, Veterans’ Day.

Patti Olzawski Barker

90w ago

Coach LaGrone was one of the kindest, most enthusiastic and encouraging teachers I had in my educational career. He was my gym coach in elementary school - the type whose joy for life made an indelible impression on you. His belief in my abilities spurred me on to compete in the city softball throw competition, for which I won the longest throw and got my first (and only!) individual sports trophy. I can still hear his hoarse laugh and see his sparkly blue eyes at the news as I am typing this. It was a victory for us both! I ran into him a few times as an adult, and he was always so welcoming and wonderful.
Thanks, Coach - you were simply the best. Patti "O"

Mike Shaw

90w ago

My condolences to the family. Mr. Lagrone was my 6th grade PE teacher at John Paul Jones elementary school. I have fond memories of him.

Michael Cathey

91w ago

Craig, Ed Harmon, and I were roommates in the fall of our Plebe year (1963) at USNA. He was a real gentleman.

Michael Cathey

James Vogler

94w ago

I have no words to say how news of Craig’s passing saddened me. Craig was one of the greatest gifts I had in my life, right from the 9th grade on to end of his life. I will miss him terribly even though we only talked one or two times year and when he came to Sanibel Island, his favorite place. I can’t tell you how much we bonded. He was and will remain my closest friend over all these years. Craig had a special path in college as I did and we both excelled in our events. There is no doubt in my mind that our Lord Jesus had a direct hand in working his magic for Detroit Lutheran West High School. The Lord must have felt Craig fulfilled his mission in life, and he is now at the Lords’ table. Jill and I are asking God to bless Ellen and his family!

Dr. James Vogler,
Tampa, FL

Gary And Diana Tabbert

95w ago

Craig and Ellen were friends of my fiancé Diana (now my wife of over 22 years) in Tulsa and attended the same church…even though I did not know him at USNA, we instantly became “brothers” from the Class of ‘67!

Dave Church spent Plebe year football season with Craig, and quickly answered my question about Craig’s football at Navy. Without hesitation, Dave answered: “He is one fast son-of-a-halfback!"

We enjoyed many friendly, happy visits over the past 20 years, and I remember them fondly. Craig was a great guy and true friend, with his big heart and love of God. Few will dominate my memories the way I will remember Craig in my years to come!

God bless you, Craig LaGrone… you will be missed!

Gary and Diana Tabbert

Keith Myers

96w ago

My condolences to Craig's family.

Craig was the 3rd person I met (aside from co-workers) when I was transferred to Tulsa and staying at a hotel until my family arrived from Houston. From the git-go, I could tell Craig had an outgoing personality and was quite a conversationalist. Through the years, we remained friends. As Craig and I both had an interest in militaria collecting, for 25 years, he and others joined in presenting a multi-day militaria Memorial Day weekend display at the Tulsa Promenade Mall. Before KFC shut down its traditional buffet in Jenks, Craig and I would make a monthly trip to KFC to partake our share of their outstanding buffet. Craig was an outstanding athlete, especially in football and track. While attending New Mexico Military Institute, he was named to the little All-America football squad. He also excelled in sprints on the track team. Craig was a coin collecting expert in both valuation and grading. It was quite a shock to learn of his passing, especially as he appeared physically fit due to going to the gym on a weekly basis. Craig will be missed by many friends. As he was a US Navy veteran, I wish him smooth sailing with good winds. Your friend, Keith Myers

Suzanne Craig-Riseling

97w ago

Best neighbor ever! Craig's Veteran's Day display was always interesting, educational and varied. Craig was a kind, considerate and thoughtful person -- full of life and a man of many interests. He was a delightful and caring friend to my husband. He'll definitely be missed.

Ron Painter

98w ago

I am very saddened to hear of Craig's passing. We first met in 2014 at the Tulsa Medal of Honor Observance sponsored by the Marine Corps League. I was representing the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and Craig and I discussed his Revolutionary War ancestor. We met again at the same event the following year when I became the president of the Tulsa Chapter SAR. Craig joined the organization in late 2015 and I had the honor of personally inducting him as a member in 2016. In March, 2016, Craig assisted me at VFW Post 577 when the SAR Chapter hosted a Vietnam Veteran Honor Ceremony. At that event, I again had the honor and privilege to present Craig a Vietnam Veteran recognition lapel pin from the U.S. Department of Defense Vietnam War Commemoration (photo). We had many occasions at the monthly SAR meetings to share lunch and conversation. I enjoyed Craig's company very much as he was always upbeat, fun and interesting to talk with. Craig was a devoted and generous member of the SAR. In April, 2018 we both had the privilege of meeting Vietnam War era Medal of Honor recipient, Bernie Adkins, who sadly passed in 2020 (photo). I convey my deepest sympathy to his dear and lovely wife, Ellen, and to the LaGrone family. Ron Painter

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