Wayne Thomas "Tom" Craigo, 50, of Elkhart, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 4:28 pm at Elkhart General Hospital after being transported there following a sudden health emergency. Many of his closest friends would say he was 'Gone Too Soon', and that 'Heaven Can Wait' was no longer a viable excuse. He was born right outside of Detroit in Livonia, Michigan to the late Harold Wayne and Kimberly Ann (Singer) Craigo.

Surviving Tom is his son, Anthony T. (Melissa Perez) Craigo of Goshen; daughters, Kimberly E. (Luke Bailey) Iavagnilio of Middlebury, Kiara (Dekon Copas) Craigo of Elkhart and Jessica Hendershot of Chicago, Illinois; brothers, Josh Craigo of South Bend and Danny (Heather) Papizzo of Frankenmuth, Michigan; sister, Amber Ard of Elkhart and a loving host of grandchildren, extended family, old friends and perhaps a 'Smooth Criminal' or two as well, including his former significant other and mother to Anthony, Kimberly and Kiara, Mary (Mark) Iavagnilio Stouder of Goshen.

In accordance with Tom's wishes, cremation has taken place, and a memorial celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart has been assisting the family.

Although Tom dealt with health and mobility issues through his later life, he was 'Working Day and Night' for many years in the RV industry and was heralded to be quite the basketball player. In fact, he was so good, he was 'Bad'… a real 'Thriller', some would say. He was very proud of his De-'Hee-hee' troit roots and was an ardent fan of the Lions and Redwings. In fact, his daughter can 'Remember the Time' when Tom would shout out 'You Rock My World!!!' every time Detroit would score.

Additionally, if you haven't quite gotten it yet, Tom was a genuine, bonafide mega-fan of the King of Pop, the Legendary 'Man In The Mirror', Michael Jackson. Every move, every step and every Michael Jackson nuance was perfected by Tom, who usually succeeded at "wowing" everyone on his smooth moves down his gloved hand hat flip. I guess we can 'Just Blame It On The Boogie'. Just about all of Tom's children share a true love and appreciation for Michael Jackson because of their dad's enthusiasm for the singer, and they now both jokingly lament that they now can't 'Stop 'Til They Get Enough' every time they hear one of his songs.  And what can we say? We're sure if you liked Michael as well, Tom would 'Rock With You'!!

Throughout his life, Tom remained true to his convictions as a Christian. He lived and laughed and loved and shared his essence with all who cared to enjoy him. Tom's philosophy throughout life was never about what you can do for me, but about 'The Way You Make Me Feel'. He dearly loved his children, his family and his Lord, and we can only add to this story that if you make Christ number one in your life, you just can't 'Beat It'!!

'Jam' on, brother!