John Warrick CRAVEN

1926 - 2016

CRAVEN, John Warrick
John Warrick Craven passed away on November 26, 2016 at the age of 90 after a difficult battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

He was born to Dr. Gus John Craven and Mary Warrick Craven on September 23, 1926 in Cameron, Texas.

John attended Greenwood High School in Springfield, MO before graduating San Diego High School (CA) in 1944. In 1948, he graduated from The University of Texas. John attended Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1948-1949. He received his Masters in Education from UT in 1955 and his counseling certification in 1963.

While attending UT, John met fellow University Presbyterian Church youth group member Patricia Gillette, and they were married for 32 years until her death in 1979.

John then taught school or served as principal at schools in Groves, Gonzales, George West, and Harlingen from 1950-1964. He became the counselor at Angleton High School and served until 1972. Shortly after that, he and Pat purchased a gift shop in Clute called The Card Cottage that he ran until his retirement in the late 80's.

John married Janis Booker in 1982, and they were together for the last 34 years

John was very passionate about music. He sang his entire life. He sang in and frequently directed the choir at First Presbyterian in Angleton for 4 decades. He loved Barbershop with all his heart. He sang in choruses and quartets in the Brazosport area for over 30 years. He was an accomplished dancer, and when it became difficult to go out, he and Janis danced in the living room on Friday nights until he began using a walker a year ago. He loved snow skiing and did so with his brother Clinton into his 70's. He was also an avid photographer. And last, but certainly not least, John loved UT football. He held season tickets for decades until it became too difficult to climb those stadium steps.

John is survived by his wife Janis Craven, his brother Clinton and wife Nancy Craven (Austin), his children and their spouses, Mark and Emily Craven (Cedar Park), Chris and Sue Craven (Austin), and Cindy Craven Martindale and Alan Martindale (Austin). Also, his 4 grandchildren, Jacob Craven (Houston), Mollie Craven (New York City), Phillip Craven (Abilene), and Will Craven (San Marcos), and his great-grandson Aleister Christian Craven. He has 4 nieces, 2 nephews, and 11 great nieces and nephews. His stepchildren are Ann Hogen (Lumberton) and Allen Smith (Beaumont). He has 5 step grandchildren. John was very much loved and certainly had a great impact on the lives he touched.

John was preceded in death by his wife Patricia Craven, his sister Mary Craven Talley, and his parents Gus and Mary Craven.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Antony Thomas for 20 years of care and compassion for John as his primary Physician.

John's celebration of life will be held Tuesday, December 6th at 11:00AM at Bethel Presbyterian Church, 101 County Road 300B, West Columbia, TX 77486. It's located off Hwy 35.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Ste. 500, Chicago, IL 60611. http://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org