Craig Allen “Red” McKillip passed away February 28, 2026 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics surrounded by his family after a brief illness. 

Craig Allen “Red” McKillip was born August 16, 1958 the son of Bill and Marilyn McKillip of Atalissa, Iowa. He attended school in West Liberty. He was united in marriage to  Karla Campbell on March 26, 1982 in Muscatine. Together they raised their children Kim, MarySue, Adam and Conny in Atalissa on the farm. The 4 kids were the light of his life until the grandkids and great-grandkids took over. 

Red was a farmer and owner/operator of McKillip Farms so he could be his own boss. He did this because his philosophy and number one quote is “It doesn’t f’n matter” He loved being a Trucker. Hobbies included driving in demolition derbys, motorcross racing with Adam, farming and going to “church”. He loved going to Nascar races and watching his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt. Every day he watched John Wayne on TV, our Christmas in July gatherings or anytime all the kids and grand kids got together. He loved all of his various special friends (too many to count) and his Busch Light.

He was most famous for his infectious knee slapping laugh and his personality always having a story to tell. He could walk into any room and walk out with a crew of new friends. He couldn’t travel anywhere where he didn’t know someone. 

He is survived by his wife, Karla, of 43 years. Children and Grandchildren: Kim (Joe) Smith of Mechanicsville; her children: Dylan (Tonya) Robinson of Mechanicsville, Kaitlyn (Joe) Klein of Appleton, WI, Lauryn Smith of Mechanicsville, and Peyton Smith of Mechanicsville. MarySue McKillip of West Branch; her children: Faith (Austin Main) of Lisbon, Samantha (Chase Miller) Kruse of Mechanicsville, and Hope Kruse of West Liberty. Adam Dean McKillip of Stanwood; his daughter: Taylor McKillip of West Liberty. Conny Ann McKillip of Iowa City; her children: Dustin Stucker and Dalton Stucker, both of Iowa City. Great-Grandchildren: Addy, Miles, Westyn, and Hadley (due in May). Siblings: Sister, Deb (Ron) Simpson of West Liberty; brothers, Scott (Julie) McKillip of West Liberty and Joel (Sue) McKillip of Atalissa. Several nieces and nephews including Mindy, Chad, Chris, Bill, Amy, Ryan, Becky, and Eric, and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Preceded in death by both parents, a nephew Mike McConnaha, and many other family members.

Celebration of life will be April 11, 2026 at 1pm at the Atalissa Firestation in Atalissa. Food will be served. 

Give Heaven some Hell!!!!! Per your family!