Russell "Dean" Craven

Russell "Dean" Craven, 87, Altus, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 in Perry, Oklahoma. Funeral services have been scheduled for 1:00 PM Monday, June 8, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Margie VanOostrum officiating. Burial will follow in the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of the Kincannon Funeral Home. Dean was born to Julian and Daisy Maud (Pratt) Craven on October 31, 1927 in Guthrie, Oklahoma. After graduating from El Reno High School, he attained his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Oklahoma. Dean and Betty Kerr were united in marriage on November 6, 1949 in Altus, Oklahoma. From 1949 to 1955 he was a band director, the last three of which he worked as the Snyder band director. From 1955 until 2000, he worked as an insurance agent for Prudential Insurance Company. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Altus and was the choir director from 1956 to 1973. He also belonged to the Kiwanis Club of Altus, serving as President and Lt. Governor. He had perfect attendance with the Kiwanis Club for 52 years. He enjoyed fishing, flying, golfing, computers and music. Dean is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Betty, and a brother, Julian H. Craven, Jr. He is survived by a daughter, Nancy E. Thomason and husband, Bill, of Perry, OK; a son, Mark Craven and wife, Sue, of Altus, OK; five grandchildren, Brian Thomason and wife, Kelly, of Owasso, OK, Scott Thomason and Mafe Rajul of Seattle, WA, Kevin Thomason and wife, Angela, of Burlington, OK, Kyle Thomason and wife, Kathy, of Burlington, NJ and Macie S. Craven-Tims and husband, TJ, of Oklahoma City, OK; five great grandchildren, Quinn, Tori, Lauren, Dayton and Weston; a sister, Daisy Maurine Biggs of Kansas City, MO; two sisters-in-law, Elenor Craven of San Antonio, TX and Robbie Kerr of Altus, OK; and numerous other nieces and nephews. The Craven family will greet friends from 3:00 - 4:00 PM, Sunday, June 7 at the Kincannon Gathering Room. Memorial contributions may be made to the Circle of Care c/o First United Methodist Church, 317 N. Main Street, Altus, OK 73521 or to the Alzheimer's Association, 2123 N. Classen Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73106. https://www.tributeslides.com/videos/embedded_video/4LHXXP779MZ5S57M