USMC Gunnery Sgt. Ruben Earl Cravens, USMC, 82, of Washington died Aug. 17, at Mercy Hospital in Washington. Mr. Cravens enlisted in the US Marine Corps at the age of 18 and retired after more than 25 years of service. He was a lifetime member of VFW Ozark Post 3246 in Mountain Home, Ark. He enjoyed camping and boating. Born Jan. 1, 1936, in Reed, Ky., he was the son of the late Truman and Ruth (Conley) Cravens.
Ruben is survived by his wife of 33 years: Georgia (Strait) Cravens of Washington; four children: Rick (Cindie) Cravens of Cedar Hill, Karen (John Jr.) Schmees of St. Louis, Debbie (Darryl) Forest of Cedar Hill and Bev (Jeff) Durbin of Labadie; his former wife: Sharon Cravens of House Springs; five grandchildren: Anthony, Justin, Cristin, Caitlin and Danielle; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by six siblings: Jack Cravens, Lola Doerhoefer, Ann Lois Van Cleave, Paul Cravens, Margaret Raley and Irene Brown; one grandson: Lucas Cravens; and one stepson: Rick Wilson.
Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 20, at Miller Funeral Home, 1206 Jefferson St, in Washington. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller Funeral Home.