John Craven – November 28, 2023

It is with profound heartache and regret that we announce the passing of John Howard Craven.

John was born on November 6, 1959, in Bellevue, Nebraska to John Wesley Craven, Jr. and Anne (O’Connor) Craven.  He attended Bellevue High School and graduated from Air Academy High School in 1978.  He also attended college at UCCS and CSU Pueblo. He served in the United States Navy for 20 years and retired in 2005 as Chief Petty Officer, when he moved to Colorado Springs. He passed away at home in his bed on November 28, 2023.

John was preceded in death by parents, John and Anne; his ex-wife, Kim Johnson; and his stepmother, Demarce Craven. His surviving family include his sister, Christina Philpy; his niece, Elizabeth Williams; his grand-nieces: Genevieve and Anneliese; his stepdaughters: Kati and Kellsy Johnson; his step-grandchildren: Ivy, Kai, and Jordi; and his cherished cats: Tatters and Patches. Among us are many others who already feel the loss of his presence and forever will.

John had a generous and compassionate spirit and never failed to delight friends and family with his humor. His spot-on British accent and silliness inspired not only laughter, but a sense of down-to-earth ease and acceptance. We could simply be ourselves with him. He had our trust, our respect, and our hearts.

John always showed up for his family and friends, although he kept himself quite busy with a number of pastimes. Many of us have had the privilege of joining him in gold panning, fishing, antiquing, or watching a Huskers game. Perhaps his best-known hobby was beautifully and skillfully rebuilding classic Mustangs. “I think this is going to be my last car” is something we heard many times, knowing that it probably wasn’t true, and laughing together when he told us he was going to go pick up another one to fix. He gave numerous old cars new life. We are so saddened that his life ended far too soon.

John–beloved brother, uncle, dad, grandpa, and friend–we love and miss you.

Please join us in remembering John on Friday, December 8, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910.  Private inurnment will be at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum.