Craig Miller Tompkins, 75, longtime resident of St. Louis, died July 13, 2022 in the comfort of his home, being cared for by his family after a recurrence of Merkel Cell Carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer.

Born in Poughkeepsie, NY, on October 10, 1946, he was the son of the late Leonard and Frances Miller Tompkins. After attending local schools, Craig enlisted in the United States Army, serving from 1964 to 1967. Prior to his honorable discharge, he was promoted to Staff Sergeant. He was

a proud recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and two Overseas Service Bars.

His passion for flying led to a career in the aviation field, spanning 55 years, logging at least 12,000 flight hours. He logged time in seventy different aircraft types. He spent significant time early in his career as a commercial pilot for Command Airways, achieving Check Airman status, as well as becoming the first US pilot type rated in the ATR 42. In early 1988, Craig joined Resort Air, in St. Louis, as Director of Operations. Resort Air became Trans States Airlines, and Craig became the company's first Vice President of Flight Operations. After helping to guide the company through significant growth, he later became the company's first Vice President of Safety and Regulatory Compliance. Safety was Craig's mantra, and in July of 2013, Captain Craig Tompkins was presented the prestigious Wright Brothers "Master Pilot" Award, from the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration, in recognition of his contributions to building and maintaining the safest aviation system in the world through practicing and promoting safe aircraft flight operations for more than 50 consecutive years.

Craig was fortunate to enjoy many hobbies, including tending to his sailboat at the Alton Marina where he and Connie were longtime members. They spent time sailing in the British Virgin Islands. Craig had a love of reading, history, photography, animals, and spending time in his "home archives".

Craig is survived by his wife and best friend, Connie Tompkins of St. Louis; Sister, Barbara Rankin of New York, children, Kevin Tompkins (Ellen) of New York, John Bouchard (Carol) of Virginia, and Guinevere Griswold of Massachusetts; grandchildren, Meghan Kirby, Colin Griswold, Marek Bouchard, Molly Griswold, Phillip Tompkins, and Hope Tompkins; and five great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Thomas Cawley.

Burial with full military honors will be held at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY, on Friday, July 22, 2022 at 2:30pm.

The William J Burke Funeral Home in Saratoga has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Craig's favorite charities: Backstoppers.org, Stray Rescue of St. Louis, or, to help fund Merkel Cell Carcinoma Research, please donate here: https://give.uwmedicine.org/give/?source=dercar