Clyde M. Cravens

Clyde M. Cravens, 95, of Springfield, died on Sunday evening, April 5, 2009 at his residence. Clyde was born September 24, 1913 in Crothersville, IN, the son of Clyde and Zada Chasteen Cravens. He married Wanda Gaither in Fairfield, IL on March 15, 1947. Clyde was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during WWII. He was employed by Fiat Allis until his retirement. He was the former president of Society Manufacturing Engineers and was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge. In his younger days, Clyde enjoyed golf and bowling. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Vivian Krause; brother, Ephriam Cravens; and infant daughter, Colleen Cravens. He is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Wanda Cravens of Springfield; two sons, Curt (wife, Cindy) Cravens of Jacksonville and Mark Cravens of Marble Falls, TX; five grandchildren, Zachary, Sam and Ben Cravens all of Jacksonville, IL and Stephen and Sean Cravens of Marble Falls, TX; one brother, Neal Cravens of Crothersville, IN and several nieces and nephews. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Family will receive friends for a memorial gathering from 10:00 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2009 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A memorial ceremony will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Reg Mills officiating. Private inurnment of cremated remains will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the Department of Defense. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Baptist Church, 501 S. 4th St., Springfield, IL 62701.