Craig Alan Fuchs went to his heavenly home on June 8, 2024, after a valiant 2-year battle with ALS.
Craig, the youngest child of Gerry and Jackie Fuchs, was born May 29, 1962. A graduate of Park Hill High School, he earned degrees in music education from Missouri Western State University and the University of Missouri-Columbia. He also earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music.
Craig had ten years of teaching experience in the public schools of Kansas and Missouri before moving to the collegiate level at Pittsburg (KS) State University. During his 24-year tenure at PSU, Craig served as Director of Bands, Chair of the Department of Music, Interim Chair of the Department of Art, Director of the Honors College, and Director of the Bachelor of General Studies Program.
In addition to his various roles at PSU, Craig had numerous articles published and was in high demand as a conductor/clinician for regional and district honor bands. He also maintained an active schedule as an adjudicator in the marching band arena each fall. Craig served as the inaugural Conductor and Artistic Director of the Four State Symphonic Winds and continued in that role for the next six years. In addition to his professional activities in the United States, Craig was invited to conduct ensembles in England, France, The Netherlands, Paraguay, and Brazil.
The various awards Craig received are a testament to his commitment to education and excellence. He was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from Missouri Western State University and was twice honored with the Robert K. Ratzlaff Outstanding Faculty Award by the Student Government Association at PSU. Craig was especially honored by this award as it is from student nominees of faculty that demonstrate excellence in instruction and service to students on campus. In 2023, Craig was inducted into the Kansas Music Educators Association Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to music education in the State of Kansas.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Craig was an avid golfer and world traveler. With "the golf guys," he played countless rounds of golf on courses across the country and abroad. Throughout his career in education, he enjoyed taking students and his family on multiple national and international tours.
Craig is survived by his wife Kelly; his 3 children Andrew (Scott Bartucca), Kelsey, and Caleb; his parents Gerry and Jackie Fuchs; his sister Shelly Sadler; his brother Jeff (Karen) Fuchs; nieces and nephews Megan (Doug) Sterlina, Jerrod (Kelly) Sadler, Kayel Mahanke, Cole Mahanke, and Anthony Mahanke; as well as extended family and many friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, September 1, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a short program at 2:45 p.m. at the Ironhorse Golf Club, 15400 Mission Road, Leawood, KS 66224. In lieu of flowers, and in Craig's memory, donations can be made to the ALS Association.
