Obituaries

Craig, Alan G. M.D., 1929 — 2022. Alan Gordon Craig passed away peacefully on Aug. 15, 2022. He was the loving husband of the late Hazel Craig; beloved father of Marion Craig and Janet Craig Durham; proud grandfather of David Danaher, Jr. (Hannah); delighted great-grandfather of Noah Alan Danaher; and devoted twin brother of Sheila Craig. He leaves behind many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Alan was born on March 27, 1929, in Aberdeen, Scotland, to James and Jeannie Gertrude Craig. He was one of five children. After completing his medical degree at Aberdeen University, he interned as house physician and surgeon at local hospitals before serving as a Captain in the British Royal Army Medical Corps. Subsequently, he worked in his family practice in Aberdeen from 1955 to 1963. He immigrated to the U.S. with his family in 1963, and settled in Webster Groves. He joined the staff at Washington University and specialized in psychiatry. He then entered private practice and was affiliated with many of the hospitals in the St. Louis area.

He was passionate about golf and often said he’d discovered the secret step that his favorite golfer, Ben Hogan, intentionally left out when describing how to swing a club. He also loved fishing and so enjoyed his annual fishing trip with friends. He was an avid reader and would spontaneously recite Shakespeare to the delight of family and friends. A true Scotsman, he loved a good dram. He will be remembered for his many accomplishments, his kindness, his wit and his sense of humor. His laughter was contagious, and he entertained all with his funny stories.

In retirement, he and his beloved wife of over 60 years split their time between St. Louis, Scotland and Florida, among other travels. He enjoyed life to the fullest with family and friends. He was loved by many who will cherish their memories of his joyful personality.

Please join us for a gathering to celebrate and remember him on Sunday, Aug, 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, MO 63109.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI — nami.org), an organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and their families affected by mental illness.

Dalrymple, James Robb, age 76, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 8, 2022. James was born March 11, 1946.

Jim is survived by his wife, Charlene (nee Pettyjohn); his sister, Jane Hornyak; children Brent, Kristen and Debra; and grandchildren Austin, Nolan, Greer, Conor and Evan.

Born and raised in Adena, Ohio, as a boy, Jim wore the grass around the hoop bare and knocked the siding off the house shooting baskets and throwing tennis balls. He was an avid

Cleveland sports fan, remaining loyal despite years of disappointment. Led by sharp-shooting Jim, Adena High had their own “Hoosiers” season in 1963 as they knocked out schools three and four times their size. Jim stayed close to home and played basketball at Muskingum College, where he met the love of his life, Charlene. Hearing of another suitor, Jim asked Charlene to make a choice, and she chose well.

Jim’s corporate career, with family in tow, led him westward from New York City to Cleveland to Pittsburgh and finally to St. Louis, where they raised the family and he spent the bulk of his life. He was a coach to his kids when asked and if not, he was their biggest fan. With a son starting college and two daughters at Kirkwood High School, while most his age were thinking of a gold watch, Jim and Charlene risked it all to start a tour business. Due in equal parts to her planning and his determination, the business was a success. Together they poured their hearts into each tour for their many loyal travelers, which always featured a heavy dose of Jim’s humor.

He was talented but humble, funny, and quick-witted, but never profane and never sought attention. He was not impressed with pedigree or braggarts. He was a small-town boy who traveled the world, a jock and whiz at wordplay who dabbled in poetry to the delight of his children when Santa wrote at Christmas. He visited every state in the U.S. and dozens of countries, but his idea of a perfect night was a wrestle with the grandkids followed by a bowl of popcorn and a promising Cleveland rookie pitcher on the mound.

A loving husband and devoted father, he will bring smiles and be loved always.

A private service for family is planned. Donations to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration in Jim’s name are appreciated.

Dooley, Mary Harriet Wienke, was born June 16, 1939, to Eugene and Harriet Wienke.

After spending her youth in St. Louis City and graduating from City House, Harriet graduated with her nursing degree from St. Louis University. Shortly thereafter, she became wife to the late great Alexander G. Dooley, owner of Dooley’s Ltd restaurant.

Harriet was an avid tennis player, winning multiple city championships in her youth. In her adult life, she was a devoted steward of the Catholic Church, volunteering countless hours to the Little Sisters of the Poor and to Holy Redeemer, her parish for over 50 years. After a long illness, on Aug. 22, 2022, Harriet went back to her father in heaven.

She was the loving mother of eight: Alexander J; Timothy; Patrick (Dana); Harriet “Dede” Noldge (Randall); Sean; Kevin (Avril); Brian; and Colin (Adah). She is survived by her brothers and sisters: Eugene; Elizabeth; Peter; Paul; Barbara; Carolyn; and Mark. She was grandmother to Aidan, Kaelin, Quinton, Gabriel, James, Lauren, Daniel and Morgan Dooley.

A celebration of life will be held at Holy Redeemer on Sept. 29 with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. and Mass following.

Mom, may you find the lushest green grass tennis courts and never have to iron another school shirt again.

Esserman, Jr., Harry Losos (Pat), March 19, 1933 — Aug. 18, 2022.

After attending the Clayton School District and John Burroughs School, he went on to attain degrees and honors from Yale University — a BS in industrial administration, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society — and Washington University of St. Louis School of Law — Juris Doctor, Order of the Coif.

He retired as senior vice president of Commerce Bank of St. Louis after having worked as vice president at Tower Grove Bank, U.S. Department of Energy/Dupont Savannah River Site, and a family business, St. Clair Finance Co. of Illinois.

He had extensive volunteer service in numerous nonprofit organizations, often working with youth, and often in leadership positions. He was a recipient of the John Burroughs School Distinguished Service Award and the Aim High St. Louis Honor Roll. Locally, past service includes the Legislative Advocacy Committee and African American Achievement Gap Committee for the Webster Groves School District and the City of Webster Groves Charter Review Commission.

He enjoyed reading, world travel, grocery shopping, cooking shows, and participating in sports such as tennis, golf, hiking, bicycling, canoeing, and basketball.

He was preceded in death by parents, Helene Eckstein Esserman and Harry Esserman. He is survived by his wife, Joan M. Esserman; brother, John D. Esserman; sister-in-law, Marilyn Esserman; and cousins.

His body has been donated to the Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the Washington University of St. Louis School of Medicine. No service is planned. Comments may be submitted to stlouiscremation.com/obituaries. Memorials may be contributed to the BJC Foundation for Hospice, P.O. Box 790369, St. Louis, Missouri 63179-9917 or online at bjchospice.org.

McHenry, John Goff, Feb. 14, 1947 — July 29, 2022.

John loved life and lived his dash with unending passion. He is the forever Valentine to Gayle (Heilweck) McHenry; father to John Angus McHenry and Hannah Marie (Jared) Fechter; Pops to Mack and Quinn; brother to Carolyn (McHenry) Elwess; neighbor to the Crosscreek Knickmeyer Crew; and friend to many.

John spent most of his days in Webster Groves. He was in the WGHS class of ’65 and made a difference in this life as a teacher at Edgewood Children’s Center for 39 years.

As a co-host to Blursday at KDHX for 29 years, he shared his passion for the rhythm and blues. John built our home out of oak and pine timbers and retired there, circled by family and friends.

Please join us for a soul-filled musical celebration of his life on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 3 p.m. at the Knickmeyer Barn, 6300 Crosscreek Road, Cedar Hill, Missouri. All are welcome!

Miller, Harry Brookings “Brook.” Brook Miller was born Feb. 12, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Harry L. Miller and Halle (nee Galhuly) Miller. Brook graduated from Country Day High School. He attended several colleges including Film and Photography School in California, University of Boulder in Colorado, and Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Brook was proud of his longtime home at 345 Dickson Street in Kirkwood, Missouri, where he lived for 50 years of his life.

Brook considered himself a self-taught investor. He loved to travel. One of his favorite places was the Colorado Mountains. He was enthusiastic about skiing, swimming and golfing. Brook loved going to art stores and some may consider him to be an aficionado of art and blues and classic music. Brook took long walks with his beloved dogs, Foxy and Brownie, and loved all animals.

Brook is survived by his sister, Gay Miller (Hugh McCurdy) Eaton III of Dublin, New Hampshire; nephew, Hugh McCurdy Eaton IV of San Clemente, California; niece Halle Eaton Carbajo of Brooklyn, New York; and seven greatnieces and nephews. He will be missed by long time friends, Renee Campbell and her daughter, Autumn Tumberello, of St. Peters, and Nancy Hooper of Kirkwood.

He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Family and friends can review and share stories, photos and condolences online at www.stlfuneral.com

There will be a graveside service at Oak Hill Cemetery, 10301 Big Bend Road.

Miller, Richard Elroy, Feb. 25, 1931 — Aug. 5, 2022. An avid genealogist, champion ping-pong player, and lover of puns, Rick found joy in many things, but most of all in helping others. He often said he was glad to be of service, as evidenced by his 50-year career in the Presbyterian ministry. He leaves behind a daughter, Kathy Evans; a son, David Miller; four grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. For more of his story, see www.k-brothers.com/ obituaries.

A memorial service will be held on Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Kirkwood.