Craig Alan Ries

Craig Alan Ries, affectionately known as “Peepaw,” of San Angelo, Texas, passed away on July 26, 2026, at the age of 66.

Craig was born on July 30, 1959, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Glenn Thomas Ries and Mary Rosella “Rosie” Fiedler Ries. He grew up alongside his six siblings: Scott, Rose, Brian, Terri, Connie, and Amanda.

On April 18, 1987, Craig married Darla Lynette “Lynn” Owen at Grace Baptist Temple in Kilgore, Texas. Together, Craig and Lynn built a life centered around family, love, laughter, and many treasured memories.

Craig was a devoted Iowa Hawkeyes football fan and enjoyed cooking briskets for his family and friends. He was known for his dry sense of humor and especially loved teasing Lynn and his granddaughters, Addi and Berkeley.

Craig also had a special talent for giving nicknames to nearly everyone he knew. A nickname would simply pop into his head, and from that moment forward, it was likely the only name he would ever call you. His playful teasing, quick humor, and unforgettable nicknames were among the many ways he showed his love. Above all, Craig loved his family. He carried the title of Peepaw with great pride, and the relationship he shared with his granddaughters brought him tremendous joy.

Craig is survived by his wife, Lynn Ries; his children, Nick Ries and Lexi Zak and her husband, Bryce; his beloved granddaughters, Addison “Addi” and Berkeley Zak; his mother, Rosie Ries; his mother-in-law, Sandra Owen; his siblings, Scott and his wife, Carol, Rose and her husband, Brent, Brian, Terri and her husband, Ken, Connie and her wife, Elzbeth, and Amanda and her husband, Sam; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved pet, Maggie May.

He was preceded in death by his father, Glenn Ries, and his father-in-law, Robert Owen.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo, Texas. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Harper Funeral Home, with Russell White officiating. Interment will follow at Johnson’s Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Craig will be remembered for his love of family, his dry humor, his playful teasing, his famous briskets, his devotion to the Iowa Hawkeyes, and the unique nicknames he gave to everyone fortunate enough to know him. His memory will continue to live on through the stories, laughter, and traditions shared by those who loved him.