Theodore William “Bill” Craven was born September 29, 1947, in Kadoka, South Dakota the second of four children born to Cornelius and Mary Jane (Young) Craven. He grew up in Kadoka where he received his education through the eighth grade. He then attended Bishop Hare High School in Todd County and one summer of high school was spent at St. Olaf Military School in Minneapolis, before returning to Bishop Hare, graduating in 1966.

Bill was united in marriage to Janet Johnson on December 31, 1967 in Philip, South Dakota, and to this union were born two children, Patrick and Michelle. Bill entered the US Army and served in Vietnam. After his return from Vietnam, Bill was stationed in Kansas, where they made their home until his honorable discharge. Bill moved back to South Dakota where he worked various construction jobs.

Bill later married Donna Bodkin, and to this union was born a daughter Nina. Bill continued to work construction and later as an over the road truck driver, hauling mostly grains around the Midwest.

Bill married Patty Wyant on February 14, 1981, and to this union was born a son Ray.

Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, and later in life enjoyed rolling dice at the breakfast club meeting every Saturday. He was also a very talented leatherworker. Bill loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and cherished the time he got to spend with them all. He also enjoyed making cotton candy with his grandchildren, cooking food especially fried chicken, and playing and singing with his guitar. In addition to his family, Bill will be missed by his longtime friend, Linda Sharp.

Survivors include six children Patrick Craven of Canon City, Colorado, Michelle Brenner of Rapid City, Nina Moore and her husband Douglas of Rapid City, Ray Craven of Rapid City, Rita Gimson of Rapid City, and Tina Cole of Rapid City; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and one on the way in February; three siblings Vivian Snyder and her husband Gerald of Pierre, Wyndy Buckner and her husband Mike of North Carolina, and Gus Craven and his wife Terry of Wanblee; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his maternal and paternal grandparents; and a granddaughter Tessa Mary-Lee Brenner.

Cards and memorials may be sent to 1221 Clover Ridge Ct. Rapid City, SD 57701.

Services will be held at a later date.