David William Craighton, 73

David William Craighton, 73, of Sheffield, Iowa, passed away Sunday, April 9, 2023, at Mercy One North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 15, 2023, at the Hampton Church of Christ, with burial in the Hampton Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 14, 2023, at Counsell Woodley Funeral Home in Hampton.

David was born on July 20, 1949, in Hampton, Iowa, to Rex and Alice (Armstrong) Craighton. He graduated from Hampton High School and then furthered his education at NIACC where he earned his Associates Degree in Electronics. In his early 60’s he completed a three year electrical apprenticeship, passed his Journeyman’s test, and graduated with honors.

David was united in marriage to Lois Meints on August 21, 1969, at Zion Reformed Church in rural Sheffield.

David worked many jobs throughout his life. He started with Bell Telephone Systems in Naperville, IL, where he worked in the design labs. Coming back to Iowa in 1972, David took a job working for a farmer in rural Alexander. David and Lois moved to her family farm in 1973, where he continued to farm the rest of his life. David drove bus for the Sheffield school district, was a certified jailer, and also taught Hunter’s Safety classes. He was a reserve law enforcement officer for the city of Sheffield and then later for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department. He was elected for two four- year terms as a Franklin County Supervisor, where he served on numerous boards. David co-owned and operated Craighton Construction with his brother, Dan, and then went to work with his son, Kevin, at Craighton Electric as a Journeyman electrician. He also served as an EMT for the Sheffield EMS for 21 years.

David was a lifelong member of the Hampton Church of Christ, where not only did he serve his Lord, but he also served the church. He was an elder, board member, deacon, and Sunday School teacher, and he also served as a trustee for the Northeast Iowa Christian Service Camp. David enjoyed snowmobiling, golfing, hunting, going to auctions, his John Deere tractors and attending his grandchildren’s various activities.

David is survived by his loving wife, Lois Craighton, of Sheffield, son Kent Craighton of Hampton and Paula Monroe, daughter Kristen (Tom) Christianson of Belmond, son Kevin (Jennie) Craighton of Sheffield, grandchildren Cole (Holly) Beirnes, Coltin Craighton, Samantha Beirnes, Madison (Matthew) Dettmer, Keely Craighton, Court (Sydney) Christianson, Drew (Danielle) Christianson, Jonah Christianson, Cannon Craighton, Grace Craighton, and Griffin Craighton, great-grandchildren Tatum Rings, Berkley Christianson, and another great-granddaughter on the way. He is also survived by his siblings Sandra (Rick) Kyles, Daniel (Connie) Craighton, Larry (Deb) Craighton, Lowell (Sandie) Craighton, Timothy (Rosina) Craighton, and Thomas (Dawn) Craighton, brother-in-law Verne Sanders (Brenda Nichols), brother-in-law Larry Meints, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, daughter Amy Sue, sisters Sheryl and Diana, sister-in-law Donna Meints, brother-in-law Ron Meints, niece Sherylyn Kyles, nephew Glenn Craighton, niece Jennifer Craighton, and nephew Jeremy Craighton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be mailed to Hampton Church of Christ, PO Box 404, Hampton, Iowa, 50441, or to Northeast Iowa Christian Service Camp, 19268 Forest Ave, Dumont, Iowa, 50625.

Counsell Woodley Funeral Home is caring for David and his family.