Raymond Horace Craven, Sr.

Raymond Horace Craven was born December 27, 1954 in Wyatt, Missouri to his loving parents, William and Amelia Wilson Craven.  His father, William, grandparents, and his brothers, Ronald "Ricky" Craven and William "Al" Craven have all preceded him in death.

He was educated in the public schools of Charleston, Missouri and graduated from Charleston High School, Class of 1973.

Upon graduation from high school, Raymond joined the United States Army from 1976 to 1985. While there, he served as a cook. During this time, Raymond was united in marriage to Flossie Love and had two children, a son, Raymond Craven, Jr., and a daughter, Keesha Craven.

After serving nine years in the Army, he received an Honorable Discharge and moved to Jackson, Michigan, where he was employed by Penn Central Railroad. He worked there until a motorcycle accident caused him to retire.

Raymond attended Perry Chapel A.M.E Church. He was a baptized believer in God, and was an active member for most of his adult life. He served on the Usher board and the Trustee board.

He was a fun-loving man, who enjoyed playing cards, hanging out with the guys, washing and driving cars, and yard work. He loved gospel music and his favorite song was, "Like the Dew in the Morning".

On Saturday, December 7, 2019, Raymond answered the call and made his transition to his Heavenly Home while a patient at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri at the age of 64 years, 11 months and 10 days.

Raymond leaves to cherish his fond memories, his mother and step-father, Roy and Amelia Craven Morgan of Charleston, Missouri, his son, Raymond Craven, Jr, his daughter, Keesha Craven, both of Newport News, Virginia, two sisters, Doris Woods of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Velma Worthy of Jackson, Michigan, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Raymond will be greatly missed.

Friends may call Friday, December 13, 2019 from 11:00 a. m. until the funeral hour of 12:00 noon at Perry Chapel A.M.E Church in Charleston, Missouri with the pastor, Reverend Carolyn Kent officiating.  Interment will follow in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery near Bloomfield, Missouri with the Williams Funeral Home of Charleston, Missouri in charge of arrangements.