Craig Ewell Marchant's Obituary
Craig Ewell Marchant
Big smile. Bigger heart. Never a dull moment.
Craig Ewell Marchant, beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, and unforgettable character, entered Heaven on January 20, 2026, where he was greeted by his Lord and Savior and loved ones. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and love, at the age of 67.
Born with an irrepressible spirit and a smile that could light up the darkest room, Craig lived life on his own terms, chasing a simple life through a hard-won, colorful journey. He wore many hats over the years: media recovery specialist at Media Recovery under the guidance of Ray King, light construction worker, long-haul truck driver crisscrossing the open highways of America, licensed real estate professional, private pilot, and, more recently, an Uber driver who turned every ride into an opportunity for connection and conversation. No matter the role, Craig brought curiosity, warmth, and heart to everything he did.
Yet it was never his titles that defined him. Craig was defined by his contagious laugh, legendary hugs, and rare ability to make people feel instantly seen and valued the moment they met him. A natural hugger with a gentle soul, he had an extraordinary gift for turning strangers into lifelong friends. He loved music deeply. He could talk about records, bands and stories for hours. A playful prankster and a determined dreamer, once Craig set his mind to something, there was no stopping him.
Those who knew him best remember a brilliant survivor with a beautiful, kind heart. He was fun-loving and resilient, someone who lived large even when life tried to knock him down. A devoted family man whose love for his people ran deep and steady. Craig was never one for half measures. When he loved, he loved fiercely; when he laughed, the whole room laughed with him.
Craig is survived by his sister Renee Mears (Barry), nephews Travis Mears (Elisabeth, Greyson, Emery) and Brandon Mears (Carleigh, Jackson), niece Ashley Rice (Michael, Clayton, Hunter), brother-like cousin Donnie Marchant (Debi, Amber, Josh, Seth), sister-like cousin Carolyn Schluter (Carl, Shelby, Shauna), mother-like Aunt Dosia Marchant, Aunt Betty Struble, Aunt Nelda Epley, a host of cousins, and a wide circle of friends who will forever carry his stories, his playlists, and the memory of his world-class hugs.
Craig left no instruction manual for living with such open-hearted authenticity, but he lived it as an example. In his own way, he showed us how: keep smiling, keep hugging, keep the music playing, and never let the hard moments steal life’s simple joys.
A celebration of Craig’s life will be held at 10:30 am at Restland’s Memorial Chapel, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243, on Thursday, February 5, 2026; viewing and visitation will be at 9:30 am. with a service following at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to A Path of Care Hospice, American Cancer Society or simply honor Craig by playing his favorite song a little louder and sharing a good laugh.
Rest easy, gentle soul. The world is a little quieter without your laugh but a whole lot richer for having known you.
Big smile. Contagious laugh. Beautiful soul.
Craig Ewell Marchant
Forever remembered. Forever loved.
What’s your fondest memory of Craig?
What’s a lesson you learned from Craig?
Share a story where Craig's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Craig you’ll never forget.
How did Craig make you smile?
