Craig Kingman Bullis

1944-2024

 

     Craig Bullis, 79, of Keokuk, IA passed away Monday, February 26, 2024.

     He was born on July 7, 1944 in Keokuk, IA the son of Kenneth and Marjorie Kingman Bullis. 

      Craig was a veteran of the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War.  During his service time he served in the 5^th Army Band in Fort Sheridan, IL and the 8^th Army Headquarters Band in Seoul, Korea. 

     He was a member of the First Christian Church of Disciples of Christ in Keokuk and was the church choir director for over forty-years.   He was also a member and past president of the Keokuk Kiwanis Club and a member and past president of the IA Retired Public Employees. 

     Craig began his teaching career in Dumont, IA, continuing on from 1974-84 as the Keokuk High School band director. Craig left teaching to run a print shop for several years. Later, he also taught band in the Keokuk Catholic schools, Warsaw, IL schools, and taught from 2001-2010 in the Keokuk elementary schools and middle school, retiring in 2010. Craig taught private lessons for many students on clarinet and saxophone throughout all of those years and performed throughout the area. He was co-founder of the Bullis-Rutter Big Band, a former member of the SE Iowa Wind Ensemble, Keokuk's McNamara's Band for nearly 60 years.  Some of his memorable moments were to play for every president from Eisenhower through Obama and touring England and Scotland with the Coe College Band and playing in the Carl Anderson Dixieland Band.

     He will be missed by so many of us as well as his wife of over fifty years, Chong Cha, "Lee" Bullis and their daughter, Winona Bullis and her husband Daniel O’Koniewski.

     Craig left a lasting impact on our community, countless musicians and his loss is felt deeply.

     A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at First Christian Church in Keokuk with Pastor David Turner officiating.  Following the service a Celebration of Life will be held at The Hawkeye Restaurant in Keokuk from 5- 8 p.m.

     Visitation will be held prior to the service from 2-3:30 on Tuesday, at the church with family meeting with friends at that time.

     Memorials may be made to Keokuk School Band Program.   

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com