William H. “Bill” Cravens
William H. “Bill” Cravens was a lifelong Missouri resident who, as one of his sons said, loved traveling.
Mr. Cravens died Wednesday, July 7, 2010, at his home in Salisbury. He was 78.
Mr. Cravens was born Sept. 14, 1931, in Prairie Hill to W.H. and Dorothy (Naylor) Cravens.
After graduating from Prairie Hill High School in 1949, Mr. Cravens enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War. Mr. Cravens was stationed in Ohio and Labrador, Canada, during the war.
After his service, Mr. Cravens returned to Missouri and worked as a farmer and for milling companies. He was a manager for both the Salisbury Milling Co. and Ray-Carroll Grain in Brunswick, where he retired in 1993.
“He enjoyed being outside in agriculture,” Bill Cravens, one of his sons, said. “He loved being able to provide a product for the market. He was quiet and kept to himself, but he enjoyed people and visiting people through his work.”
Mr. Cravens married Julia Ann Runtas in Warren, Ohio, on May 7, 1955. She died Dec. 14, 2004.
Mr. Cravens converted to Catholicism after marrying, and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Salisbury.
Mr. Cravens shared his love of travel with his wife and family. One of his most memorable family vacations was a trip to Zimbabwe, which included a wild game hunt with his sons.
He hunted occasionally in Missouri, but preferred to help his sons rather than participate himself.
“His biggest hobby was being involved with his kids and grandkids,” Bill Cravens said.
Mr. Cravens is survived by one sister, Ellen Gilmore of Manhattan, Kan.; three sons, Bill Cravens of Fulton, John Cravens of Columbia and Ted Cravens of Salisbury; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
His wife, his son Jeff Cravens and brother Gene Cravens died earlier.
Visitation is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. There is a 7:30 p.m. rosary service at the Summerville Funeral Home in Salisbury, 601 E. U.S. Highway 24.
Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 301 W. Williams St., with burial in the church cemetery immediately after.
Memorials may be made to the Salisbury Senior Center Meals on Wheels program, 304 Broadway, Salisbury, MO 65281; St. Joseph Cemetery Association or Howard County Hospice Care, 101 Furr St., Fayette, MO 65248.
