Charles "Tom" Thomas Craven

Charles Thomas Craven, 93, of Goshen, Indiana passed away peacefully on January 23, 2022 at Brentwood at Niles Senior Living Facility. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, he will be missed by many.

Tom was born on January 3, 1929 in Sturgis, Michigan. He is the son of Ethel and Charles Craven. He married Jacqueline Nelson on June 7, 1953. They enjoyed 67 years of marriage and share two sons, Craig and Monty.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Gwenevera Craven; his granddaughter, Janell Craven; and his wife, Jackie Craven. His memory lives on with his surviving family members: Barbaradine McCuddy, Craig and Robin Craven, Monty Craven and Angie Bails. Bryon and Julie Craven, Nicole Craven and Anthony Marzolo, David and Katrina Dawson, Scott Craven, and his seven great grandchildren– Cortney, Brayden, Milo, Molly, Logan, Audrey, and Mitchell. His eighth great grandchild, Jacqueline, will be born this month.

Tom and Jackie owned Craven’s Campground in Baldwin, MI. He also worked at Mastercraft in Shipshewana, IN until he retired in the mid 90s, although he never really slowed down or stopped working. While reminiscing over memories of Tom’s life, almost all the stories took place outdoors. From snowmobiling and camping to running around on the farm or tending to his perfectly green lawn, Tom was always up at sunrise, outside, and ready to go. On the rare occasion he was still, you could find him watching old Westerns or rooting on the Chicago Bears, eating candy.

His favorite greeting to his grandchildren was, “Hey! What are you doing here?” And although Tom referred to his grandchildren as “ornery,” everyone who knew him knew he was ornery himself, and they loved him that much more for it.

A private memorial service honoring Tom and Jackie Craven will be held in the spring. Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Osceola, Indiana is assisting with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please donate in his memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or to a charity of your choice.