Craig Scott Minatrea, age 58, passed away from this worldly life and was welcomed into his eternal life on Monday, December 18, 2023 in Livingston, Texas. He was born June 24, 1965 in Hollis, Oklahoma to Raymond Paul Minatrea and Charolette Ann Mayhugh Booth.

Craig graduated from South Houston High School in 1984, a few years after graduation he entered the United States Air Force and served his country from 1986-1990; after his Honorable Discharge he enrolled into UTI and obtained his HVAC certification. While enrolled in UTI he began working for Canteen Food and Vending.

During his time at Canteen, his sister Sheila was diagnosed with cancer. Craig left his job to move himself and Shiela to Livingston where he took on as her caregiver until her passing in February of 1994. He started his career with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in 1994 as a Correctional Officer at the Polunsky Unit (Originally Terrell Unit). He ended his career with TDCJ after twenty three years in 2017. After his retirement he began transporting boats for Premier and returned back to TDCJ for about a year, then he decided to go back into retirement and just transport boats. Eventually due to his health he went into full retirement.

In 1995 he was introduced to Veronica Casas through his roommate Bubba and on April 10, 1999 they were married.  Their union instantly made Craig a dad, gaining a daughter (Amber) and a son (Garrett). Then, God smiled on them when they welcomed Kristen Rae Minatrea into the world in 2001. While life didn't allow for him and Veronica to remain married, they did remain friends.

Craig, is survived by his mother, Charolette Ann Mayhugh Booth and Stepfather Jack of Kansas City, Missouri. His daughters, Kristen Rae Minatrea and her fiancé Justin Legg, of Livingston, Texas; Amber N. Quinn and husband Wesley, of Livingston, Texas. His son, Levi Garrett Spears and wife Amber, of Caddo Mills, Texas. Seven Grandchildren: Emily, Nola, Elaina, Astrid, Jolene, Guinevere and Conrad.

Craig is preceded in death by his Father, Raymond Paul Minatrea; Sister, Sheila Rae Minatrea; Grandson Laine Tyler Quinn; Aunt & Uncle Lahanda and Garland Strickland; Uncle Fred Mayhugh; Grandparents Hershel & Thelma Mayhugh and L.D. & Mary (Turner) Minatrea.

A Memorial Services for Craig Scott Minatrea will be held at Cochran Funeral, December 30, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers his children have requested donations to the following organizations.

Dementia Society of America
https://dementiasociety.charityproud.org/donate

Correctional Peace Officers Foundation
https://cpof.org/become-a-member/