In the early evening of March 14, 2019, Joseph ‘Joe’ H. Craven, Jr., 88, of Yountville, California, went on peacefully to his next big adventure, following a brief illness. He was blessed with the opportunity to connect with family members and dear friends before he went.

Born on September 13, 1930 in Albuquerque, NM to Joseph H. ‘Joe’ Craven, Sr. and Ruth Evelyn (Searcy) Craven, Joe grew up in Waco, TX with his younger brother, Randy Craven. He enjoyed swimming, diving, fishing, hunting, family summer vacations at Padre Island, and serving as Mayor of Waco High and as an Eagle Scout.

Joe attended Virginia Military Institute, graduating in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. While at VMI he was named to Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, was Southern Conference diving champion, and head cheerleader. He went on to serve in the US Air Force in Europe and briefly stateside before entering the private workforce as a business consultant and entrepreneur.

Joe had lived at the Veterans Home in Yountville for the past 8 years where he headed up a weekly Karaoke group where he sang (mostly classic country and folk songs) and played harmonica, and enjoyed playing poker two to three times a week with his buddies. He also long enjoyed writing, trying his hand at writing an advice column called “Ask Uncle Joe,” and a script for a TV sitcom about life at the Veteran’s Home.

He loved to read and was very much interested in United States history, particularly the South, and enjoyed traveling.

Joe is survived by his brother, Randy Craven of San Carlos, CA; his son, Joe Craven, III of Dixon, CA; his daughter, Cyndi Craven of Tucker, GA; his grandson, Cody Craven; his granddaughter, Hattie Craven; daughter-in-law, Pamella Gregg Craven of Dixon, CA; two step-grandchildren; his niece, Amy Craven; his nephew, Jeff Craven; two great-nieces; his extended family of friends at the Veterans Home; and many other friends and loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

A memorial service was held at the Veterans Home of California in Yountville on April 11, 2019, and was attended by his son, grandson, brother, niece, and daughter-in-law, among others. His son received the American flag presented in honor of his father’s service to his country. Joe had arranged to have his body donated to the UCSF School of Medicine’s Willed Body Program, which was done according to his wishes.