Craig Wood Cassell, 48, of Lincoln, Neb., died May 16, 2010 in Lincoln. 

He attended grade school in Steele City and graduated from Fairbury High School in 1979.

On Aug. 1, 1979, he had swimming accident in the Little Blue River at Steele City, which left him paralyzed.

He continued his education at Southeast Community College in Fairbury and went on to receive a master's degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

He was employed at the League of Human Dignity in Lincoln until medical conditions made it impossible to continue. 

As a talented mouth artist, doing pencil drawings, he recieved recognition, far and wide. He spoke at many schools, showing his art work and encouraging young people to pursue their goals in spite of adversity. He recieved many awards for his achievements. 

Survivors include his parents; brothers, Steve of Riverton, Wyo., Scott and sister-in-law, Lorna; niece, Caitlin Cassell and nephew, Joshua Cassell, all of Bellevue; grandmother, Ruby Wood of Beatrice, aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Services were held May 21, at the Presbyterian Church in Steele City with the Rev. Steve Frazier officiating. Special music was provided by Peggy Friesen, pianist.  Soloists were Mary Cassell, aunt and Vernon Cassell. The Eulogy was given by Barry DeJong, cousin and a poem written and read by his niece, Caitlin. Pallbearers we Dan Banahan, Scott Cassell, Steve Cassell, Barry DeJong, Steve Block, Jeremy Lohrman, Joe Fairbanks, and Jay Kyne. Honorary pallbearers were Ed Boyd, Jeff Folsom, and Mike Logan. Burial was in the Steele City Cemetery, Steele City.