Craig Giggleman, a devoted naturalist, dedicated public servant, story teller, and history buff passed away on April 14, 2026. A man of immense adventure, Craig spent his life uncovering the hidden wonders of the natural world and meticulously preserving history. He passed away leaving behind not just memories, but a carefully preserved record of a life deeply observed and fully lived.

Craig proudly served his country as a United States Army veteran. He went on to build a distinguished career in environmental science and emergency response, serving as a Senior Environmental Contaminants Specialist from 1997 to 2017 and later as an Emergency Response
On-Scene Coordinator from 2017 to 2022. His work reflected a lifelong commitment to protecting and preserving the environment.

He earned a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science from the University of North Texas, along with a Bachelor of Arts from Stephen F. Austin State University, demonstrating his passion for knowledge and learning.

Craig had a magnetic personality that drew people in wherever he went. He loved to tell stories—long, detailed, and often filled with the kind of insight only he could provide. Whether recounting a personal adventure or sharing a piece of history, he had a way of making people listen, laugh, and learn. A true history buff, he carried a deep respect for the past and a desire to
understand it, preserve it, and pass it on.

His greatest joy was found outdoors. Craig was an avid "herper," spending countless hours catching and logging snakes and turtles. His thirst for discovery led him searching riverbeds for shark teeth along the South Sulphur River, hunting fossils, or scanning the ground for arrowheads. His home was filled with sea shells that were hand-picked; over 20,000 shark teeth, and the shells from 15 different species of turtles. In his lifetime, Craig caught thousands of documented turtles and almost 3000 snakes. Craig approached every outing like an adventure and a discovery waiting to happen. He traveled across the country researching and photographing Native American battle sites, carefully gathering stories for a book he was writing—one more way he worked to preserve history before it could fade. 

Known for his meticulous nature, Craig often saw the details others overlooked and remembered moments that might otherwise be forgotten (his memory and recall were amazing). Craig had a unique habit of preserving nearly every document and memory (old speeding tickets from the 1970s, every driver’s license he had ever been issued, photographs labeled with names and years, important documents preserved with care—not just for himself, but for his wife and son as well). To some, it might have seemed excessive. To those who knew him, it was simply Craig’s way of holding on to life, making sure nothing important was ever lost.

Craig was the son of Gene Giggleman Sr. and Linda Cadenhead Giggleman Long, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dr. Marina Vargas Giggleman; his son, Erik Martin Giggleman; his sister, Karen Kay Giggleman; his uncle, C.T. Cadenhead Jr.; and his aunt, Marie Cadenhead.

He is survived by his big brother, Gene Giggleman Jr. and wife Kathy; his nieces, Kristin Giggleman and husband Heath Burns, and Lauren Giggleman Dethlefs and husband Benjamin Dethlefs; his nephew, Gene “Scooter” Long; his great-nieces Avery Burns, Sadie Burns,
Kayleigh Dethlefs, and Allison Dethlefs; his great-nephew, Ethan Dethlefs; Ralph Long; as well as countless friends across Texas, including Corpus Christi, and throughout Virginia and Colorado who were fortunate enough to share in his stories and adventures.

Craig will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, passion for life, steady presence, thoughtful nature, his dedication to preserving history and nature, and the way he could turn even the smallest detail into something worth keeping. He respected all life and spent his life promoting ecology and preservation of the natural order. He would risk his life on a busy highway to save a turtle crossing the road. He was a man of integrity and character and he loved the fire out of his family.

Craig will be deeply missed, but his story—like the many he spent his life collecting and sharing—will not be forgotten. He truly died living.