CRAIG CARLTON HALL

Craig Carlton Hall died peacefully on Sunday August 25th, in the presence of his close family. He died of natural causes, six weeks before his 85th Birthday, and 15 years after his beloved wife Marva Joan Hooks Hall passed away. Craig Carlton or “Cork”, the nickname given to him by his older brother and idol, Gerald W. Hall, was born on October 10, 1939, in Shreveport, Louisiana to Henry Rochester Hall and Julia Etta Boone Hall, who both preceded him in death. Craig moved to Kansas City, Kansas with his family when he was three years old. Craig attended Grant Elementary and Northeast Junior High in Kansas City, Kansas. He attended Sumner High school and kept close friends with all of his classmates. Craig accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior as a young child, and attended First AME Church in Kansas City, Kansas. He reconfirmed his commitment to Christ shortly before his death. Craig Hall was truly a unique Trailblazing Family Man. He was as a standout elite High School and Collegiate Athlete, and then he was a well-respected Teacher, Coach, and Human Resources Director. He was married to Marva Joan Hooks Hall for 45 years. They married in 1964 and were blessed with two children: April L. Hall-Key and Gerald Carlton Hall. Craig Hall, the Trailblazing Family Man, worked tirelessly to secure his Family’s future, and courageously challenged the status quo. In 1976, after many years of hard work and planning, he was able to become the First African American to design and build a home in the newly developed Mcanany Forests sub-division in Johnson County. Craig’s dream was to stay in this home for life and provide a solid foundation and future for his Family. As an athlete, Craig was a Trailblazer as well. He was a three-sport letterman in Football, Basketball, and Track at Sumner High School. As a 145lb 15-year-old Sophomore Fullback, he was the first Sumner High School player to score a touchdown under the lights. Craig was an outstanding collegiate Basketball Player at Bradley University, Kansas City, Kansas Community College, and The University of Nevada at Reno. He was named a National Junior College All-American and was known as one of the University of Nevada Reno’s All- time “Greatest Scorers”. An article written in a local Reno newspaper in 2020 stated: “If they had a 3 point shot back then, his records would have been even more remarkable”. As an African American History Teacher and Basketball Coach, he mentored and guided numerous outstanding Sumner Spartans, who went on to become Super Bowl participants, Professional Basketball Stars Domestically as well as Internationally, and Civic Leaders in the community. Craig Hall stood up for his Players, Students, and his Kansas City, Kansas Community Members while at Sumner. Some of his more memorable and monumental accomplishments during his tenure at Sumner included: beating Wyandotte High School on their home court for the first time in Sumner’s History; going undefeated in 1974 ( 10-0) the first time Sumner High was allowed to participate in a League; and being a Coach on the State Championship Legendary 1969 Sumner Spartan Basketball Team. As a Personnel Director at Kansas University Hospital, Craig Hall represented for the community and secured countless job opportunities for African Americans. He fought and won many battles to help others have better opportunities. Craig was a stable Family Man who was reliable and available when needed. He was determined, persistent, relentless, and stood up for what he thought was right all his life.
Craig leaves behind his brother, Gerald W. Hall and his Sister-in-law, Melba J. Jefferson Hall. He is also mourned by his daughter, April L. Hall-Key and her family, Dr. Vincent H. Key and their children: Kaelin H. Key, Cameron C. Key, Carson C. Key and Kaiya L. Key. His son, and primary caregiver, Gerald Carlton Hall and his children: Addison J. Hall and Alexander C. Hall also mourn and feel his loss.
He leaves a host of nieces and nephews: Dr. Reginald Hall and Linda Parker Hall, Steven Hall, Carmelita K. Hall (who preceded him in death), Darryl W. Hall and Jeannette Hall, Jeffrey B. Hall and Ann Hall, Sheila Hall Lipscomb and Philemon Lipscomb, and Jill M. Hall.
Craig will be mourned by his grand and great nieces and nephews, his extended family and a host of friends, students and players.

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