He was born on Sept. 25, 1940 in Burleigh County, N.D. to John and Elizabeth Hanks Craven. Don was raised and attended schools in Menoken, N.D. He then joined the United States Army and served until his honorable discharge. Don married Margo Lines and they had two children, Dennis and Kelly. They later divorced. Don worked as a lineman for Pacific Power & Light for many years and moved to Yakima, Wash., in 1973 and then to Walla Walla, Wash., for a couple of years. He then moved to the Hermiston area in 1990 where he has lived since. Don retired in 1995. He was the past president of the Over The Hill Gang. Don enjoyed woodworking and carving, leather work, and riding his Appaloosa horses (multiple times on the Chief Joseph Trail Ride).
He is survived by his son, Dennis Craven, Pendleton; daughter, Kelly Tilley and husband Craig, Pasco, Wash.; brother, John Craven and wife Jane, Irrigon; sisters, Catherine Hanson and husband Melvin, and Elizabeth Ennen and husband Lyle, all of Bismark, N.D.; grandchildren, Darren, Cody, Jessica, and Samantha; great-grandchildren: Markus, Macey, and Conner; numerous nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; six siblings, Jim, Jerry, Bernard, Lucille, Buryl, and Lillian; and a grandson, Corey Craven.
A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 1 p.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel in Hermiston. A graveside service will follow at 3 p.m. at Olney Cemetery in Pendleton.
Please sign the online guest book and view the full obituary at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
