Craig C. Pearman

Craig Cornell Pearman ,71, went to join his savior, Jesus Christ, on May 28, 2026, at his home in Topeka, KS.

Craig was born July 23, 1954, at Memorial Hospital in McPherson, Kansas, the eldest child of Russell Leavell and Velvia Viola (Jackson) Pearman. Craig spent most of his childhood and teenage years in McPherson. He attended McPherson’s Washington and Roosevelt Elementary schools, Park 5th and 6th grade School, McPherson Junior High School, and McPherson Senior High School, graduating in 1972.

As a child, he enjoyed reading, playing baseball during the summer, and in between, doing his paper route. In high school, he played his trumpet in band, orchestra, marching band, pep band, and jazz band. He got to play in the McPherson High bands with celebrities like Doc Severensen, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, and Clark Terry when they gave clinics and concerts in McPherson. He also sang in his church choir.

Craig attended and graduated from Wichita State University in 1976 with a bachelor of accounting degree. Later in life, to satisfy his lifelong love of books, he returned to college and got a master’s degree in library science from Emporia State University. After Wichita State, Craig worked as an accountant with his father at the Haury, Emery, Pearman, and Stewart CPA firm in McPherson.

He moved to Wichita to work as an accountant at Intrust Bank. He met his wife, Shelia, in Wichita. Craig and Shelia G. Whitlow were married February 2, 1991, at the Nazarene Church in McPherson. On June 13, 1992, they were blessed with a son, Russell Laurel, who Craig was very proud of. Shelia and Craig were married 30 years before divorcing.

Craig, along with his wife and young son, moved to Topeka when Craig got a job as an accountant with KPERS. After leaving KPERS, Craig was employed at KU in the African Studies Department. He later ended up working at an accounting firm back in Topeka.

Throughout his life, Craig loved books and was always seen carrying one around so he could sneak in a few pages whenever possible. He was also passionate about sports, history, and model trains. He enjoyed attending sports events and watching them on television. He played recreational baseball, softball, and basketball a good portion of his life. He also was a member of the Topeka history round table and train club.

Craig had a very strong, unwavering faith in Christianity from his youth, attending several different Nazarene churches in McPherson, Wichita, and Topeka and Fellowship Faith Bible Church in Topeka. Through the years, he participated in bible study groups, choirs, and fellowship groups at the different churches he attended.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents and two infant sisters, Coleen and Amy.

He is survived by his son, Russell Laurel Pearman of Louisville, KY, and his sister, Joleen Pearman of McPherson, KS.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, August 14, 2026, at Stockham Family Funeral home. Inurnment will follow at McPherson Cemetery.  To view a live-stream broadcast of the service, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Memorial donations can be made payable to Gideons International or the McPherson Museum, and sent in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 N. Chestnut St., McPherson, KS 67460.