HOUSTON, Texas – Craig Edward Marston, 62, died on April 20, 2026, in Houston, Texas. Born Sept. 12, 1963, in Gulfport, Miss., Craig was the youngest sibling, and in so many ways the one who kept watch over what mattered most.

He is survived by his parents, David Marston and Sandra Marston; and his siblings, Karen DeCelle, Michael Marston, and Kenneth Marston. As the youngest, and the last sibling, Craig carried a special kind of devotion to the family’s stories and standards, making sure the past was remembered and the important things stayed intact. Raised as an “Air Force brat,” like his siblings, Craig learned early how to adapt, stand tall, and stay loyal to his family—wherever life took him.

Craig was a loving father and husband. He is survived by his wife, Juliann Karenko; and his children, Cassandra, Melissa, and Conor—who knew his love not just in what he said, but in how he showed up, protected, provided, and stayed present. Craig was also a grandfather to Jonathan and Eleanor, whom he adored and cared for deeply.

He was predeceased by his youngest daughter, Christina, whom he loved deeply and carried with him always.

During his school years, Craig stood out as an exceptional student. He graduated from Skowhegan High School in Skowhegan, Maine, in 1981, and his academic strength opened remarkable doors: he applied to, and was accepted by the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, the United States Military Academy at West Point, and the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs,, Colo., receiving a congressional appointment to each. Craig chose Kings Point, graduating in 1985, that set the course for the life and work that followed.

Craig put that drive to work in a career he earned and loved. A Marine Engineer, he served in many roles over the years, starting out as a ship engineer, sailing in the Gulf of Alaska and points beyond, and seeing the world shipping as a merchant mariner, before ultimately becoming General Manager of Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair shipyard in Galveston, Texas. He took pride in doing things the right way, leading by example, and keeping people safe while getting the job done.

Craig loved East Pond, Maine—home of Sadulsky’s Camps, the “camps” as the family called them. Founded by his maternal grandparents in 1948, the camps became a place Craig and his siblings carried forward with pride, sharing that love with their children. For more than 30 years, the family gathered there every summer for a reunion—proof of what Craig believed in most: showing up, keeping traditions alive, and holding close what’s important. In so many ways, the camps were Craig in physical form: steady, rooted, and worth protecting.

Family stories about Craig come with their own soundtrack and their own language. “Love Hurts” by Nazareth still brings him to mind, and so does the nickname that followed him through life, some invented by Craig, and others handed down by family. “Peanut” started early: as the youngest, and a small kid, he earned it from Grampy Sadulsky. He set his own course, and his success in the classroom, as a husband and parent, and in his work, spoke for itself. Most of the nicknames faded as everyone grew up, but “Bump” stuck—at least with Ken. To know Craig was to know that behind the tough exterior was a huge heart and a steadfast loyalty that never wavered.

Craig truly loved his animals and that love was shared by Juliann and Conor. Craig was so passionate about animals that he rescued dogs from his shipyard. His huge heart included those furry friends who were in need.

Craig was family-focused to the core: a fierce keeper of tradition, a keeper of family history, and a defender of the people he loved. He had a big heart and a direct way of speaking, always to the point, and always firm in conviction. He was also the one who endured, preserved through adversity, and kept going with grit and unyielding determination. We’ll miss his steadiness, his blunt honesty, and the way he stood guard over the people and the principles he loved. And we’ll carry his love with us at East Pond, around the family table, and in the stories that will keep getting told.

Craig will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A celebration of Craig’s life will be held on May 7, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and memory sharing beginning at 3 p.m. at Malloy & Son Funeral Home in Galveston, Texas. A Catholic Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Galveston, Texas on May 8, at 11 a.m. Additional details will be shared by the family.