[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 15, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E45-E46]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF CRAIG M. STEPHENS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 15, 2019

  Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Craig 
M. Stephens, age 74, who passed away peacefully at his home on August 
28, 2018, surrounded by his family.
  Craig was born in Columbus, Kansas in 1944, the son of two teachers. 
After moving to Ohio in 1956, he attended Kent State University High 
School before graduating from Kent State University in 1968. Craig was 
actively involved in student government. He was elected as the first 
Student Body President at KSU, he revived the Democrat Club, and he was 
invited to the White House. As an undergraduate, he also managed John 
Carson's successful campaign for Kent Mayor and at age 22 was named 
Safety Director for the City of Kent from 1966 to 1968.
  After graduation, Craig enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as 
Special-Agent Military Intelligence for 3 years. Following his 
honorable discharge, Craig enrolled in Akron University Law School 
where he began his career in the law offices of Giulitto and Dickinson 
after graduating in 1973. Soon after, he started his own private 
practice where he represented the rights of the working class 
specializing in criminal law. Craig was well respected throughout the 
region as an intelligent, straight shooting attorney who always told it 
like it is. Beyond his practice though, Craig volunteered his time and 
expertise to organizations such as the NAACP, Boys & Girls Club, 
NEOCAP, Juvenile Detention Center, Portage Country Community Action 
Council, and Waterloo School District. Until his death, Craig continued 
to selflessly serve his community as the Chairman of the Portage County 
Democratic Party and Member and Chairman of the Portage County Board of 
Elections.
  Over 50 years of service, Craig played a critical role in the 
campaigns of over 60 local, state and national officials turning 
Portage County into a stronghold for the Democratic Party with his 
labeled ``green machine'' featuring his candidates' signature green 
political signs. Labeled the ``King Maker'', Craig was known for 
challenging the Democratic establishment and introducing new candidates 
into the party. Over the same time period, Craig took similar pride 
turning the family property in Randolph from an old farm into a 
showpiece that held every County Democratic Picnic since the early 
1990s, numerous wedding and birthday events and kids camping 
overnights. He could typically be found working in his barn or out 
operating equipment, most recently joined by his grandson, Xavier, who 
liked nothing more than working on equipment with his Grandpa.
  Craig was married to the love of his life and his better half, Ruth 
(Enlow), for 42 years. Together they have two children, Justin Stephens 
and Samantha (Hank) Stephens/Brooks; and two grandchildren, Xavier and

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Simone. Craig is survived by his sisters, Sylvia (Pete) Klas of 
Minnesota, and Pam Valentine of Ravenna; nephews Matt (Ashley) and 
Robert Valentine and Paul (Angela) Klas and numerous family and 
friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Adalyn 
Stephens and his brother, Chuck Stephens.
  Craig Stephens leaves a lasting impact. I know he is dearly missed by 
his family and the entire community. I extend my deepest and sincerest 
condolences.

                          ____________________