Craig Allen, as his Mom most often referred to him, was born in Hondo, Texas, on April 7th, 1991, and left this world unexpectedly on August 10th, 2025.

Craig was undoubtedly a person no one could ever ignore, even if they tried. His boisterous laugh, quick wit, and undeniable love of his own voice had the power to win over even the most hostile of audiences. He was the walking definition of "unapologetically himself", overboard really, if you asked his sisters.

He loved his family fiercely, but his Momma reigned supreme in his heart. He proudly proclaimed his "Momma's boy" status like a badge of honor with zero shame. Though he gave those he loved most the hardest time, that was his way of showing just that. His family will miss it all; the laughter, the quick wit and comebacks, the inappropriate humor, the eclectic music choices, the at times questionable cooking. And always the uncontrollable tears of laughter, and sore cheeks that were bound to come being in his presence.

Those tears of laughter have now shifted to tears of sorrow. While none of us can fully understand a loss this tragic, we cling to God's word, "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed is the name of the Lord." Craig is at peace with our Father now. Reunited with his big brother, Paul Anthony. We can easily picture their jubilant celebration underway. Followed by a most critical debate over who loves Mom most; that will go on and on until we're all reunited again.

Craig is preceded in death by his brother, Paul Anthony, and his grandfathers, Harold Haines and Doyle Gene Melton.

He is survived by his Father DJ Melton, his mother, Cynthia Riojas and Step Father Rudy Avila; his oldest sister Neomi De La Garza, and her husband Eddie, along with their three sons and daughter; his youngest sister, Natalie Michelle Bloch, her partner Christian, and his nephew Elijah; the love of his life, Susan Ortiz, and their son Silas; his eldest son, Eli; his grandmothers, Consuelo Haines and Shirley Melton; and a wide circle of cousins, aunts, uncles, and great-aunts who loved him deeply.

Though we'll miss his boisterous laugh and hugs most, we'll also miss the way he could make us roll our eyes, shake our heads in semi disbelief, and then end up laughing with him anyway, because with Craig, it really was always funny. We'll carry that with us forever.