Raymond Thomas Craver

Raymond Thomas Craver, 90, resident of Cottonwood, passed away on Friday, August 8, 2008. He was the son of Harry David and Lousia (DeRusha) Craver; being born on July 22, 1918 in Delavan, Minnesota. Ray grew up in Denver, Colorado; he served his country during WWII with the United States Army; following which, he moved to Whittier, California where he met and married his wife, Mildred "Millie" in February of 1947. In 1957 he and Millie moved to Palm Springs, California where they raised their sons and Ray worked as a newspaper dealer for many newspapers; the last being the Palm Springs Desert Sun. He was very involved with the youth of Palm Springs. For nearly 50 years Ray devoted his time as a coach for baseball and basketball. He also helped keep the scoreboards during the football seasons, as well as assisted in the Special Olympics. After the passing of Millie-his companion and sweetheart of 52 years; Ray moved to Cottonwood in 1999 so that he could be close to his family here in Arizona. Since which time, he enjoyed going to the Mingus Union High School Football and Baseball games, the Little League Baseball games, and watching his son, Mike compete in the Special Olympics Events. Ray also enjoyed fishing and other hobbies. Ray leaves behind four sons, Duane Benell with his wife, Miriam of Whittier, California, Larry Craver with his wife, Sue of Cornville, Mike Craver of Cottonwood, and David Craver of Palm Springs, California; eight grandchildren, Denise Benell, Donna Barner, Shannon Barth, Talitha Wright, Beth Craver, Stephen Craver, Jeremy Craver, and Jennifer Craver; as well as, six great-grandchildren. There are no local services planned at this time. An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com