Gerald Hugo Craven

Gerald Craven, 90, of Independence, MO, passed away Wednesday, August 19, 2015. Funeral services will be 10:00 am Monday, August 24, 2015 at Carson-Speaks Chapel. Burial with full Military Honors will take place at Missouri State Veteran’s Cemetery, Higginsville, MO. Gerald was born into a large family on February 23, 1925 to Morgan Avander and Pansy Collis (Sperry) Craven in Excelsior Springs, MO. He was a proud Veteran, serving in the Army during WWII. Gerald served with the 409th Regiment in the 103rd Division. While serving in they fought through the Vosges sector and later into the Rhineland area of South Central Germany. It was during this time that he went missing for a time and was feared missing in action.. After he was reunited with his company, he went on to fight in the battle of the Bulge. In 1945 he entered Landsberg, where Kaufering concentration camp, a subcamp of Dachau, was liberated. Gerald received several medals and Badges while serving including; Expert Infantryman Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Rifle Marksman, SMG Expert, American Theater Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Ribbon with 2 Bronze Stars, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and 2 Overseas Service Bars. After the service Gerald returned to the Independence area where he was employed with Butler Manufacturing for many years. He enjoyed farming, breeding and selling livestock, and his vegetable garden. Gerald also enjoyed traveling around the country in a car with his family by his side. Gerald is preceded in death by; wives Alberta Louise Aldridge Craven and Betty June Streeter Craven, his beloved daughter, Joyce Elaine Craven Capps on August 9, 2015; brother, George J. Craven, and sisters Flossie May Popejoy and June Ellen Craven. Survivors include; brothers James Frank Craven, Morgan Lee Craven, Wayne Bryce Craven, Kress King Craven, and Phillip Ray Craven; Granddaughter Dana McCartney-Candillo and husband Rocky, 4 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Hospice House.