Rex was born October 4, 1946, in Marion, Ohio, the son of the late Billy and Betty (Koehler) Craven.
In 1964, Rex graduated from Harding High School in Marion. He immediately enlisted in the US Army, serving for 3 years in Thailand and Germany, as well as stateside. Completing his Army service, Rex attended the Ohio State University, majoring in Art Education. After college, he worked for Marion Power Shovel in Marion for several years before relocating to the Washington, DC, area for the remainder of his career. Rex retired in 2008 from Quadrangle Development Corporation, where he was Vice President of Operations. Upon retirement, Rex oversaw the construction of his beloved log home in Orrtanna, PA.
Rex joined Lower Marsh Creek Presbyterian Church in Gettysburg, PA. He considered the members of church as his family and was grateful for their outpouring of love and support over the years.
Anyone that knew Rex understood that he loved history, especially early American and US Civil War eras. He was also an accomplished painter, even winning awards for his âbarn artâ submissions to various art shows.
Rex is survived by his dear brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Micki Craven of Dallas, GA, niece Sara Miller and nephew Sean Craven, as well as his lifelong friend, William Hoffman (Debbie), of Pittsburgh, PA. He is also survived by his five children: Chad Craven and wife Jennifer of Forest, VA; Kara Simpkins (Chadwick) of Springfield, VA; Eric Craven (Meredith) of McLean, VA; Kurt Craven (Amber) of Warrenton, VA; and Brittany Smith (Bryan), also of Warrenton, VA; as well as 13 grandchildren.
A Celebration of Rexâs Life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Lower Marsh Creek Presbyterian Church, 1865 Knoxlyn Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325. Online obituary and condolences are available at monahanfuneralhome.com.
This obituary was originally published here.