MURPHYSBORO – Craig A. Heins, 66, passed away on Monday, September 11, 2023, at his home in Murphysboro, IL.

Craig was born on April 18, 1957, in Murphysboro, IL, the son of Randall Gene and Kathryn C. (Baskin) Heins. He married Tracy Teel on August 7, 2016, in Carbondale, IL. Craig was retired from Menard Correctional Center and was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Carbondale, IL.  He dearly loved his wife and family, and was very fond of cars, motorcycles, Sherlock Holmes, old monster movies, many different genres of music, and loved to read and learn about any random topic, history in particular. Craig (aka Captain Heins) will be remembered for his big personality, crazy sense of humor, and ability to connect with so many through conversation. He never met a stranger and will leave us all with the memory of his unforgettable laugh.

Craig is survived by his wife, Tracy Heins of Murphysboro, IL, his children: Kyle C. (Frances) Heins of Chester, IL, Brittany (Michael) Niermann of Troy, IL, Brenden (Kacy) Heins of Chester, IL; his grandchildren: Preston Heins, Kylie Heins, Cayla Sibley, Jason Sibley, Jacob Niermann, Rue Niermann; his mother, Kathryn C. Heins of Murphysboro, IL, his sister, Michele (Clinton) Crews of Murphysboro, IL, his mother-in-law, Marilyn Teel of St. Mary's, GA, his step children, Ryan (Sunny) Sinclair of Salem, IL, Andrew (Jake Walker) Sinclair of New Orleans, LA, and his step grandchildren: Clementine Sinclair, and Penelope Sinclair.

Craig was preceded in death by his father, Randall G. Heins, and father-in-law, Eldon Teel.

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 18, 2023, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, IL, where friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. A private burial will be held at a later time at Ava Evergreen Cemetery, Ava, IL.  Memorials may be given to This Able Veteran/Service Dogs for Veterans, c/o Wilson's Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Ava, IL, 62907.