Madison, the daughter of long-time customer Mandy, brought brownies and gave DeLong a hug at Craig's Auto Service on his final day. | Photo by Dorri Partain

Dorri Partain

Managing Editor

While the sign marking the building as “Craig’s Auto Service” came down, new signs celebrating the owner’s upcoming retirement secretly popped up along the gate — bearing slogans such as “fare well,” “best wishes” and “don’t go, we need you.”

Owner and mechanic Craig DeLong purchased the repair shop at 4250 St.John Ave. in 1987 and built a customer base that stretched generations as parents would recommend Craig’s services once their children became car owners.

Despite weeks of preparation, on the final day of business, DeLong was packing up years of accumulated items in his office as a steady stream of customers stopped to say Goodbye.

As he paused to chat with those that stopped in, DeLong remarked he was finding items he hadn’t seen in 10 years as he sorted through paperwork, photos and other items stacked on the shelves behind his desk.

Another surprise awaited DeLong as staff at Healing House KC prepared a surprise party on Friday, May 30. With a promise of taking him out to lunch, Healing House founder and CEO Bobbi Jo Reed instead stopped at its headquarters (4505 St. John Ave.), where a spread of sandwich makings and a decorated cake were offered.

Hugs, tears and smiles overflowed as staff and invited guests thanked DeLong for keeping their vehicles on the road and wished him luck as he prepares to sell his home and move to Florida later this year.

Prior to closing, DeLong set up his employees to fill positions at St. John Brake and Muffler, just down the street at 5000 St. John Ave.