Steven "Craig" Wentling

Steven "Craig" Wentling, 73, Milford, KS, died Thursday, February 24, 2022, at Irwin Army Community Hospital. Cremation will take place. A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2022, at the Johnson Funeral Home with Pastor Lorenzo Jackson officiating. A reception will follow the memorial service at the funeral home. A private family graveside service will be held at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to be given to Tunnel To Towers Foundation or to the Junction City Humane Society.

Born September 16, 1948 in El Dorado Kansas. Son of Richard and Melvine (Meador) Wentling.

He became a born-again Christian in 1953. Craig graduated from El Dorado High School with the class of 1966. After graduation, he joined the United States Army in 1967. While in Vietnam,in 1968, he was wounded and was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Combat infantry Badge while serving in the 11th Infantry Brigade Americal Division. He later served as an Electronic Warfare Intelligence Analyst with the Army Security Agency. He graduated from Rotary Wing (helicopter) flight school and received his pilot wings in 1977. He had tours in Korea, Honduras, and Grenada as a helicopter pilot. He received the Distinguished Service Medal and Broken Wing Award before retiring at Fort Riley in 1988.

After his retirement with the United States Army, he worked for the defense contractors at Fort Riley and later the Manhattan Regional Airport.

He married Carolyn Karst of El Dorado in Springfield, Missouri in August 1969.

He is survived by his beloved wife/friend Carolyn in marriage of almost 53 years, sister Jan (Eric) Birmingham of Oklahoma, brother Kirk (Patti) of Florida. His adored daughters Stephanie Kay Amos of Texas and Shan (Roger) Coffey of Junction City, also eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father Richard, who was his best fishing partner, and his beloved mother Melvine of Clay Center.

Not Too much to say for a life and the years spent on God's Earth. Life is short here on earth, but an eternity in heaven, thank you God for your son "Jesus". John 3:16-17 Romans 10:9-10

Craig, Honey, Dad, Grandpa and Friend.