Martin “Sonny” Cravens, 87, of Owensboro passed away Monday December 2, 2024 while under the care of Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky. He was born April 12, 1937 in Owensboro to the late Hugh and Gertrude Payne Cravens. Sonny was a proud Navy veteran, serving his country in the Korean War era from 1954 until 1958. He was a devout Catholic and a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church since its opening in 1959. Sonny retired as a maintenance supervisor at Owensboro Municipal Utilities after 27 years of service. He was an avid fan of NASCAR, loved sharing a good meal with his family, and had a knack for completing the daily crossword in the local paper. Underneath his quick wit and stubborn nature was a kind and caring heart that had a soft spot for his grandchildren and that is what he will be remembered for.
Sonny was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Jane Wooldridge Cravens; his daughter, Kay Cravens; his son-in-law, David Boarman; and his infant children, Thomas Gerald and Christina.
Sonny is survived by his children, Starla (Rho) Cravens, Marty (Sally) Cravens, Sheila (Lee) Hopewell, and Joe (Brandy) Cravens; his grandchildren, Ryan, Hugh (Samantha), Josh (Miranda), Leah, Kayleigh, and Justin Cravens, Ross (Jordan) and Luke Boarman, Christina (Keaton) Ambs, and Anslee Hopewell; and his great-grandchildren, Mazie, Owen, Thomas, Jaycee, Sophia, James Riley, Gatlin, and Isla.
The funeral mass will be Noon Saturday, December 7, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Entombment will follow with full military honors in Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of the service Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes.
Thank you to Dr. Ndzi and the wonderful staff of Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky. Our family is grateful for the care and compassion you all extended to Sonny in the last weeks of his life, allowing us to honor his final wishes.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 4029 Frederica Street, Owensboro, KY 42301. Messages and condolences to the family can be shared at www.glenncares.com.