Craig M. Havens

Craig M. Havens, age 61, of Montcalm, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, March 8, 2021 at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem, VA.

Craig was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Willie and Joyce Havens as well as his brother and friend, David Havens. Craig is survived by childhood sweetheart and wife of 38 years, Cindy Havens of Montcalm, WV; children, Justin Havens of Montcalm, WV, Adam Havens and wife Courtney of Bluefield, WV, and Tara Fortune and Husband Jeremy of Bramwell, WV; grandchildren, Adasyn Havens, Sophie Fortune, Spencer Fortune, and Rylan Havens; sisters, Bernice Lucado and husband, Buck of Bluefield, WV, Shirley Miller of Rock, WV, Judy Norris of Lake Norman, NC, and Regina Pennington and husband, Robert of Pocahontas, VA; and brother, Bernie and wife Deborah of Hebron, OH.

Craig was born in Bluefield, WV on July 7, 1959. He spent his early childhood in Ohio, but moved to Montcalm, WV at age 14 and has been a prominent and proud member of the Montcalm community ever since. Craig earned his Bachelor of Education from Bluefield State College and went on to earn his Master’s degree in educational leadership from West Virginia University. That achievement led to him earning the position of Principal at Montcalm High School in 2014 after spending many years at his alma matter as a coach, teacher, and mentor.

Craig was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and leader. He was a leader to his school, to his community, and most importantly,  to his family. Craig dedicated his life to the betterment of those he knew and loved. He pushed his players, students, employees, friends, and family to strive for greatness in their every endeavor just as he most certainly did. As a true General, Craig took pride in what he said, what he did, what he thought, and how he felt. There is no greater problem-solver, and he did so, always, with humility and grace. Craig did not seek recognition, only solutions, progress, and improvement. He was determined to make everyone and everything around him better. His drive was contagious as was his smile and laughter.

A funeral service is scheduled to be held at Deliverance Temple in Brushfork, WV on Saturday, March 13, at 1:00pm with Rev. David Kirby officiating. There will be time for visitation prior to the service beginning at 11:00am. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell where Adam Havens, Justin Havens, Josh Shrewsbury, Jeremy Fortune, David White, Matt Gaither, Dougie Miller and Jason Brooks will serve as pallbearers.

Rather than a guest book, visitors are encouraged to write a special memory or a letter to be given to the Havens family. In lieu of flowers, the family also asks that donations be made to Montcalm High School-Athletics at 5366 Simmons River Road Rock, WV 24747. Once a General, Always a General.