Warren Cravens, husband, father, grandfather, modern day pirate and obsessive craigslist purchaser passed away on June 25th, 2015.
Warren grew up in Georgetown, Illinois and was the son of Gayle and Doris Cravens. He would spend most of his days hanging out with friends, exploring the outdoors, and having fun while creating trouble with his friends (most of which shouldn’t be discussed here). His older brother Michael, his sister in law Sandy, his nephew James, and his nieces Natalie and Nicole survive him. He was decorated in the boy scouts with badges for everything for rope tying, canoeing, spitting and flirting with girls. He was nicknamed Bugsy or Bugs by those that knew him well. Rumor has it that he was found eating little black bugs off the windowsill and if there is a true story behind most nicknames, this is one that would span his lifetime.
He was married to Joyce Budziszewski and not soon after the nuptials, his first daughter Amanda blessed their little world and brought nothing but pure happiness, joy and laughter. 3 years and 11 days later, the couple was again blessed by their second joyful, happy, perfect angel child, Kimberly and if life was any sweeter they would need to see the dentist for cavities. When Kim got married to Chris, he became the sailor son in law taking notes on his new life in a pirate family. Amanda, Kim and Chris live in Indianapolis and given the wonders of good genetics, Warren is survived by his next generation of perfect angel grandchildren Kylee, Addison, August, Claire and Tucker. They enjoyed spending time together, telling him their car needed fixed or lubricated, critiquing their Dad’s many uses for duct tape and polishing their halos on a regular basis.
In his later years, Warren was blessed to have the love of another family and his wife, Trish Kibbey, and her three children Danny, Kayla and Megan. Warren enjoyed this family as his own, continually passing down his love of wit, wisdom and sarcasm in any way he could. The impact he had on all of them was profound and deep, and they feel lucky to have been a part of his life. Trish and Warren enjoyed the finer points in life, including chasing down random new adventures, concerts, animal rescue, dreaming of Florida, and photographing Warren and his random naps.
Warren had many roles in his professional career. Following in family footsteps, he had an early career in the railroad as a train master. After reading more than one children’s book to his daughters about cobblers, Warren decided there may be money in the modern day shoe repair and opened The Shoe Heeler. Although he enjoyed dying woman’s heel every shade under the sun and resoling shoes that smelled of old man sweaty toes, he decided to close up shop. Eventually Warren set out on an adventure mysterious and unknown owning and managing Galahad’s, a local bar and grill. Here he honed his customer service skills and found, when you are a bar owner having an attitude and good looks makes you money, even if you are slaving over the stove making quesadillas and cheese sticks most days. When it was time to move on, he created his own business Commercial Curb Appeal and finally found a way to get paid for what he did best….tinker around with anything he could get his hands on. He played with toys most boys dream about, parking lot stripers, lawnmowers, dump trucks, snowplows, chainsaws the list could go on. If there was will and a way to get something done, and an ad on craigslist for the tool, you could bet Warren was there. He also started his career with UTI Logisitics as a supervisor. He enjoyed working with his teams and enjoyed sneaking his pirate ways into daily infrastructure and conversations with the HR department.
Friends and family may visit from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at Indiana Funeral Care and Crematory, Harry W. Moore Chapel, 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250. An informal Going Away Memorial Party will follow at 4:00 p.m at the same location.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the family at any Chase bank location. Details will be available at the services.
Mary Gail Wood says
Aw Bugs, heaven just got a little livelier but you’ve left a big hole in the lives of others here. We will heal and we’ll see you soon. Rest in peace my dear cousin. You are loved and will be missed.
Kevin Leslie says
With deepest sympathy from Kevin Leslie and friends and family at UTi Integrated Logistics
Chris Hall says
You and I started out a little on the Rocky side but you became a very well respected friend to me. I will miss you.
Godspeed to you
Matt Munz says
Worked with Warren for years and he was always one of my favorite people. Very funny and would do anything for you great man. My deepest sympathies to his family he was loved and will be
missed..
Dave Williams says
Well Bugs I know heaven will be a lively and much more cheerful place now. I hope you will finally find out ‘What’s up Doc’. You are definitely leaving a huge hole in everyone’s life here. We’ll miss you!
Vicki Johnson says
To: Mike Cravens and family
You are in my prayers and thoughts. Love you all.
Candi Luken says
My deepest sympathy goes to your family! I had the pleasure of hanging out at the Zac brown concert with Warren, Trish, Amanda, Kim, and Chris last summer! What a fun loving man. My heart is heavy for all who loved and was loved by him. God bless With love, the Luken’s.
Debbie Wilson Nale says
From the private room In the back of your home Was turned in to a private club for only certain people. The memories of American Legion in Georgetown with our families. To High School dance with your brother Mike. You was always around and now you are here in my memory again. God Bless you family in their Loss and grieving. My thoughts go out and prayers go out to Mike your brother and Mark & Dave, your cousins.
Valerie Cebulski says
Dear Cousin, you left us way too soon. Yes heaven won’t be the same, they are getting a good one. You have lots of folks waiting on you. The family is minus a personality plus—we are going to miss you.
Cris Newell Milliken says
Friend and classmate – I will never forget your laughter and mischief. Hugs to your family, and may you arrive in heaven laughing.
Mike Stultz says
Hey Bugsy
Spring break 78. BizBuz by the pool. Oly Beer. Plains Georgia picture with the cops. One really mad Easter Bunny.
Just a few of great times with the one and only Bugs.
Prayers for the families.
Mike Stultz.
Rebecca says
Great tribute! I am sure he will continue to watch and enjoy all his earthbound angels and you earthbound Angels will continue to enjoy his wisdom and love. xxxO
The Wible family says
so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family, Tricia.
Carla (Rogers) Newlin says
Bugs, A real blessing to have been a classmate for 12 yrs.Lovely,kind,sweet and don’t forget handsome…prayers to Mike and all those who love him..
Class of 1976..Hi All!
Sandy Beherns (cousin) says
Growing up and hanging out at Aunt Jo and Uncle Tuck’s big house I remember Bugsy always had parties in his “backroom” with the secret entrance. His wit came from his father. His love came from his mother. His eternity comes from the Lord.
Sabrina (Jones) Hilsheimer says
Bugsy I haven’t seen you in years but I feel the hole that has been left behind. On to your next adventure! Prayers for your speedy journey through heaven. You’re a great guy. Prayers for your family to get through this.
Joanie Tannehill says
Kim-
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time! I’m sorry to hear about your loss.
Rhonda Alford (co-worker) says
My heart is heavy. Warren will be truly missed. He had the biggest heart and would do anything thing for anyone. Always new how to make you smile…
maryann romack says
I am so sorry to hear of this . Prayers to family
Alan Collom says
Bugsy I have not seen you for several years, I know we are all saddened at your loss. The world around us just won’t be the same.
Lowery Family says
John Chapter 14
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come [again] unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.
Shawna Lowery says
Kim & Family-
My family and I will continue to lift you and yours up in prayer.
charles woods says
Warren will be truly missed,one more Angel in heaven .
Todd Banta says
He was always my little Cousin Warren , and he is frozen in my memory as the quiet and friendly younger brother of Mike. I saw him once as a grown-up, but he will stay a young man in my memory. I hope the family will feel better soon. My condolences.
Todd Banta says
I will always remember him as my little cousin Warren, younger brother of Mike. I saw him once as an adult, but he will stay frozen in my memory as a young man, friendly and easy to get along with.
Gale Hoskins Bibb says
Bugs – I never thought that the last time we spoke would be the last time I would ever speak to you. I always thought we’d meet again and laugh some more. Your family has the best angel in the world. Heaven has gained some humor and laughter to add to their abundance of love. You’ll always be remembered fondly as one of the good guys! You’ll be greatly missed by all.