LEXINGTON: No one ever accused Rodger W. Craig of being a boring teacher. A class with “Mr. Craig” was less of a required course and more of an experience in learning. Rodger included all five senses to communicate with his students in an energetic and animated way that helped them retain the information – and more than that – helped them critically think and learn. William Arthur Ward said, “The mediocre teacher tells, the good teacher explains, the superior teacher demonstrates, and the great teacher inspires.” Given that maxim, Rodger Craig was a great teacher.

All of the lessons Rodger needed to teach have passed as he entered into the Lord’s care Sunday evening January 18, 2026 from OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. He was 89.

Born June 1, 1936 in Mansfield to parents Robert Willard and Bessie Florence (Kempton) Craig, Rodger was raised in Chesterville and graduated from Chester Franklin High School in 1955. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in physics & mathematics with a minor in chemistry in 1960 from Otterbein University. He began his teaching career at Lexington High School teaching chemistry, physics & mathematics. He also served as Science Coordinator for Mansfield City Schools from 1966 to 1967.

Earning his Master’s degree in Chemistry in just one year from the University of Northern Iowa in 1970, Rodger switched to a focus on teaching chemistry, including AP chemistry classes. In all, he taught with passion, mostly in “his” Chemistry Lab, for 42 years with Lexington Local Schools and retired in 1993…the first time.

Following his first retirement, he and another teacher friend started building houses. But after four years, Rodger’s love for teaching called him back to the classroom – the same classroom in the “Old Red Brick Building” where his career began with the Lexington District. He retired again in 2002. He was a member of the Ohio Education Association and National Education Association.

As animated and busy out of the classroom as in, Rodger had served as a volunteer Boy Scout leader, manager of the Clear Fork Hills Swim Club, and was active in the Lexington school community and Lakewood Tennis Club. He led the Lexington High School Chess Club, coached JV Basketball and both LHS boys and girls tennis teams. “Coach Craig” led the boys tennis team to multiple district and state tournaments. He was also a member of the Lexington Lions Club.

Rodger was active in his everyday life, enjoying tennis, ping-pong, biking, the pool and virtually every sport. His mind was just as active through playing chess, research at the library and listening to classic country music. In recent years he might best be known around town and OSU as “Mr Buckeye.”

A former member and elder of the Linden Road United Presbyterian Church, he was currently a member of Lexington Presbyterian Church. He was very active in the church, having taught adult & youth Sunday school classes, led youth groups and summer camps, and actively participated in the administration of the church. He most recently served as head of Session for Lexington Presbyterian, and was dedicated to the care of the church and property. Most days, his travels around town would include a trip to the church to “check on things.”

Rodger will be remembered for his faith – he was so devoted to the Lord, as well as his church family. His favorite scripture was John 3:16. He will also be remembered as a mentor to generations of students, teams, and his family. He loved with a heart of service and his sense of humor kept him quick with a joke to make you laugh.

He is survived by his wife, lovingly referred to as “His #1 Girl”, Geraldine “Jerry” (Kulpa) Craig, whom he married August 22, 1964; their sons Anthony (Tamara) Craig in Erie, PA, and Michael (Frank Gotoc) Craig of Belmar, NJ; Grandchildren Dustin (Jennifer Sabour) Craig of Ronkonkoma, NY and Briana (Shane) Edwards of Erie, PA; great grandchildren Taylynn Edwards and Kellen Edwards; sister Saundra Sue (Charles) Kunze of Lincolnton, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers WIlliard Craig and Frederick Craig, and sisters Dorothy Salter, Kathryn Young and Marlyn Hunt.

The Craig family will receive friends and past students Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, where a Celebration of his life will follow at 4 p.m. Pastor Denny Nezrick will officiate, with Pastor Jack Sharp assisting. Private interment will be in Oak Grove Memorial Park in Lexington at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rodger’s memory may be made to Lexington Presbyterian Church, Compassus Hospice, or OhioHealth Foundation may be made at the funeral home.

Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Craig family. Share a message of support with them online – and watch Rodger’s tribute video – at: https://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Rodger-Craig?obId=47008171#/obituaryInfo

Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home Lexington Avenue Chapel

Website: SnyderFuneralHomes.com