Jacob Richard "Dick" Craven

Jacob Richard "Dick" Craven was born at the old Denton Hospital on November 13, 1950, to Mabel and Jake Craven in Denton, TX.  Dick graduated from Denton High School in 1969, and he graduated from North Texas State University in December of 1973 with a bachelor's degree in business and a marketing minor. Dick was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

Dick met the love of his life, Virginia Kelly, on December 9, 1968, on a blind date.  They attended a Dallas Cowboys game in the Cotton Bowl Stadium, where the Cowboys defeated the Cleveland Browns.  After a three-and-a-half-year courtship, Dick and Virginia were married on June 3, 1972.  Dick and Virginia have been lifelong residents of Denton, TX.  Through their dating relationship and marriage, Dick and Virginia worked many years at Craven's Dry Goods until it closed in 1990.  Their love of people and the city of Denton was evident through their many civic activities.  After Craven's Dry Goods closed, Dick pursued a successful career selling life and health insurance with Ramey King Insurance until his retirement in 2015.

Dick's love of Jesus Christ as his Savior was the cornerstone of his adult life. As recently as September 2023, Dick told Virginia his daily prayer was to have his every thought to be on the Lord - to know Him more and more. Dick and Virginia started attending Denton Bible Church in 1989. As a couple, they led many bible studies and the premarital counseling ministry from 1992 to 2001. Dick and Virginia took the ministry to Venezuela twice and to Ecuador once. Dick became a deacon at Denton Bible Church in 2000 and acted as an elder from 2001-2020, including five years as the chairman.

Dick was an avid water skier and boat owner of many 'Southwind' boats. He loved the lake and found peace near and in the water. Even through tough times, Dick was the ultimate provider for his family.  His attention to detail and concern for others communicated a steadfast love to his family and to all around him.  Dick's grandchildren affectionately call him G-Dad.  Dick always took an interest in their activities and their relationship with the Lord, praying diligently for them daily.

Dick highly valued his family and loved spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia Craven; his son and wife, Jake and Kathleen Craven of Denton; his daughter and husband, Holly and Michael Dennis of Austin; his sister, Lynn Bacon of Austin; and his sister-in-law, Melody Kelly of Denton.

Dick is survived by his grandchildren Jacob Craven, Brooks Craven, Allyson Craven, Kennedy Dennis, and Tucker Dennis. Dick is also survived by his nieces Allyson Marshall and her husband Mike, plus their children Luke, Max, Max's wife Kara, Jack, and Kate. His nieces also include Kristi Trad and her daughter Raina.  His only nephew is Patrick Kelly.

Dick is survived by his cousin, John Brooks, and his wife, Diane; their children, Rachel Norfleet, her husband Kevin, and their son Brooks Norfleet plus Julia Brooks and Susan DeLoren.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Mable Craven; his brother-in-law, Ed Bacon; and his brother-in-law, Randy Kelly.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Denton Bible Church (dentonbible.org) or North Village Church (northvillagechurch.com).

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