Craig Mayer

Craig Mayer, age 61, of Bentonville, Ark., passed away Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013, at his home in Bentonville, Ark. Craig was born in Washington, Iowa, on Nov. 23, 1951, to Lester and Phyllis (Hinkle) Mayer. He was a hard-working man who loved his family and serving in the community. Craig worked 22 years for Iowa Malleable and was heavily involved with the Fairfield, Iowa, Little League program from 1982-1993 and was a volunteer firefighter for the community. Craig and his family moved to Bentonville, Ark., in 1994, working for Bentonville Castings and the last 15 years for Wal-Mart 6094. He served the BYSL as a board member, umpire in chief and coach from 1994 to spring 2012. He enjoyed working in the yard and garden, tinkering in the garage, a loyal fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Arkansas Razorbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals; when he was around a radio ESPN was always on. He was a loving husband, father, grandpa and friend and he will be missed tremendously. Craig is survived by his wife of 40 years, Freda of Bentonville, Ark.; two sons, Mathew, grandsons, Zachary and Ethan of Iowa City, Iowa; Benjamin, (Debbie), grandson Cooper of Abu Dhabi, UAE; one daughter, Lacey, of Russellville, Ark.; sister, Debbie Mayer-Cramblitt of Agency, Iowa; and one brother, Steve, of Costa Rica. Preceding Craig in death were his parents, Lester Mayer and Phyllis Mayer-Baum. Celebration of Life services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013. Sports-themed attire is requested as the services will be at Memorial Park Softball Field #8 in Bentonville, Ark. In lieu of flowers and plants, please make donations to the NWA chapter of the ALS Association and Bentonville Youth Softball League. Online tributes to the family may be made at www.bentoncountymemorialpark.com. Arrangements are with Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory of Rogers, Ark.