Jon Paul Craven

Jon Paul Craven was born on April 30th, 1959 and passed away peacefully on June 6th, 2023 with his much loved niece, Levi, by his side.

Jon grew up in Kent, Ohio, the only boy in a house filled with sisters. He reveled in his childhood…climbing trees, camping out, fishing with Grandpa, riding his bike from sunup to sundown and swimming in any accessible body of water whether it was a lake, river, creek, pool or pond!

He graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School and found employment at several Kent area restaurants. He thoroughly enjoyed his jobs and delighted in interacting with his fellow employees and customers.

He was outgoing, affable and amusing. He made friends easily and, because his memory was fairly photographic, he readily remembered names, faces and occasions and found joy in sharing stories from the past. He was fond of  lively family gatherings and celebrations and adored his several nieces and nephews.

Jon was smart and he was interesting. He played chess, collected stamps and, as an avid reader, he devoured novels by his favorite science fiction writer, Philip K. Dick. He was a naturally talented artist and, as a child, spent hours filling the pages of sketchpads with detailed drawings of  soldiers and battlefields, from The Roman Empire to the conflicts of World War II and Vietnam.

Unfortunately, Jon experienced cruel traumas that adversely affected him the rest of his days. A “normal”, typical life had been stolen from him, yet he retained his warm heart, loving soul and goofy sense of humor.

His grandparents, Francis and Harry, and his father, Paul, predeceased Jon. He is survived by his mother Connie, sisters Megan (Gary), Christina (Curt) and Nora (Rob). He is also survived by nieces and nephews Levi, Robi (Ryan), Alex (Emily), Molly, Eric (Nyki), Kyle (Sarah) and Julian (Tori) and great nephews and niece Rocket, Nathan and Imogene.

A private celebration of Jon will be held in the near future. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends choose a charitable way to honor Jon. Perhaps donate to a favorite charity in his memory or pay for a stranger’s grocery bill or donate socks to a homeless shelter. There are so many people who need assistance. What a loving way to honor Jon. In addition, remember that words said and actions taken have the power to positively or negatively affect another’s life. Please choose positivity.

Thank you, Briarwood Healthcare Community and Crossroads Hospice Care for the gentle and respectful attention you gave to Jon at the time of his transition. Thank you, Coleman Health Services, for your support, services and care.