Lyle F. Craven

Lyle F. Craven, 65, passed away peacefully Monday, February 28, 2011, at a local hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Lyle was born May 9, 1945 in Rupert, Idaho to Leon and Ila (Watson) Craven. Lyle was raised in Rupert and went grade School and graduated from Minidoka High School. His father owned the local bowling alley, so he naturally became an avid bowler who managed to carry over a 200 average. His father also owned the grocery store. He worked with his Dad at the grocery store and eventually was cutting the meat there. Lyle enjoyed to swim as a young man and worked as a lifeguard. He later attended I.S.U.

Lyle married Mickey Annis; to this union they had one daughter, Audrey Moodie. They were later divorced. Lyle was introduced to Pat Bell by one of her friends. Lyle asked her to marry him on March 15, 1969 on his payday. Lyle was really in love with Pat's two children Jeff and Patti, who lovingly brought their mother along.

Lyle worked at Kraft Foods for several years and then went worked road construction for the 370 Operating engineers, and was a member for over 30 years. He also taught guitar lessons at Fawson Music for many years. He had students that came from all over. He had a collection of guitars and a banjo, which he taught himself to play. He sat in with his friends to jam and played in several establishments. He was an avid musician that could play nearly any instrument by ear.

Lyle was an avid fisherman, and he loved ice fishing. He loved fishing with his brother-in-law, DeVerl Evans, close friend, Lloyd Cook, son-in-law, Brent Richmond and daughter, Patti. He also enjoyed bird hunting. Lyle loved to work with wood and to his credit; he made wooden puzzles, and built two grandfather clocks, one for his Mom and the other for his wife. He also did an excellent job building onto his home.

Lyle fought a valiant battle with Multiple Myeloma for well over a year. He was scheduled for a bone marrow transplant in Salt Lake City and was all prepared to go through with it when the cancer came back very aggressively. He was so brave and still fought on even though his body was failing.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Pat of 41 years; a son, Jeff Bell, Olympia, WA; daughters, Patti (Brent) Richmond, Pocatello; and Audrey Moodie, Pierre, SD; 13 grandsons, 2 great-grandsons (with one more on the way), and 3 great-granddaughters. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they adored him. He is also survived by a brother, Noel Craven, California; sister, Deon (Richard) Fassett, Rupert; brother-in-law and best friend, DeVerl Evans; sister-in-law, Jennie Evans; brother-in-law, Roy (Shannon) Corson.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Ila Craven

Lyle had two nephews that helped him immensely Verl De Evans and Alan Corson; they were there for him at all times. His family offers their many thanks to Darold and Darlene Schumacher for getting Lyle and Pat's trailer home from Salt Lake City and for simply being such wonderful friends. Also, thank you Dave and Gayle Allen for being such true friends. There is not space enough to thank his many caring friends Lee, Morgan, Jeff and Rick; thank you all so much for your support.

To Dr. Pierson, Dr. Francisco, Dr. Ririe, Dana, Cris and Mary, I thank you all for your kindness and help. Dr. Pierson; we know you did your very best.

Good night my love, now you are with your Mom and Dad. I know you are happy and so are they. We love you and always will. Good night from Margy Lou!

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