Gary "Muskrat" Cravens

Gary Cravens, 83, of Marion, passed away Friday, September 26, 2025 at Deaconess Illinois Regional Medical Center in Marion, IL. He was born September 6, 1942 in Herrin, Illinois to Rev. Carl E. & Wilma (Mitchell) Cravens.

Gary had a long, successful career with the Combined Insurance Company of America. Over 35 years, he won numerous awards and earned recognition from W. Clement Stone, the company founder and his personal hero. His territory included the entire 618 area code where he established long-term relationships and friendships with his customers. He never met a stranger. In the late nineties, he closed up his office and retired as a District Manager.

Gary then went on to own and operate Cravens Enterprises. Under that umbrella, he began "seeing the country at 35 mph". He got his CDL and equipped his dually truck with a flashing light/flag kit to escort oversize truck loads. He loved being on the road. Refusing to retire, his last years were spent driving a semi truck and delivering roof bolts to coal mines in the surrounding area.

Gary was also well known for Muskrat's Hickory Smoked Meats. He took orders, seasoned & smoked delicious food, and delivered orders every month. People looked forward to seeing him just as much as they looked forward to digging into his smoked meats.

All the while, Gary was an avid Sprint Car Racing Enthusiast, he partnered with his friend, Gary White, to form one of his first racing ventures in the mid-1970s. He went on to own and manage more than a dozen cars, supporting just as many drivers at every stage of their careers. For over 30 years, he traveled across the country in every capacity of a race car team, from fan to crew member to owner and back again.

Gary was often described as a "character". He always had a funny story or a colorful joke ready for anyone who stood still long enough to listen. He was the undisputed king of dad jokes and one-liners. He was a treasured husband, father, brother, mentor, and friend. His family will miss him more than can be expressed.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria Cravens of Marion; children and their spouses, Laurie Matson of West Chicago, IL, Paula Cravens Lane of Nashville, TN, Billie & Jerry Parker of Carterville, IL, Carlos & Anna Cravens of Collinsville, IL, and Christina Cravens of Herrin, IL; four grandchildren, Megan Prendergast, Matthew Matson, Aaron Parker, and Miranda Howell; three great grandchildren; two sisters and brother-in-law, Karen Gurley of Highland and Julie & Dale Bowers of Energy; two brothers and sister-in-law, Ivan "Jumbo" & Sue Cravens of Herrin and Roger Cravens of Herrin; brother-in-law, Jerry Drummond of Energy; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Kay Drummond; brothers and sisters-in-law, Fred & Gail Cravens and Tim & Jeanie Cravens; and brother-in-law, Gary Gurley.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be on Saturday, October 4th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the Herrin Elks Lodge #1146, 221 East Monroe Street, Herrin, IL. Please join us to share memories and food.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the Herrin Elks Lodge #1146.