Randall B. Craven

Randall B. Craven, 90, of Brilliant, OH, passed away Wednesday March 14, 2018 in the Valley Hospice Care Center North, Steubenville, Ohio.

He was born November 12, 1927 in Brilliant, OH, a son of the late John W. and Nellie O. (Bruney) Craven. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, John Malcom Craven and Adrian Craven; and two sisters, Clara M. Gammon and Eleanor Runk.

Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Lou Anne (Emery) Craven, whom he married on April 18, 1959; a daughter, Pam (Ross) Dillahunt of Tipp City, OH; a son, Don (Anne) Craven of Willowick, OH; and five grandchildren, Rachel (Ben) Markley, Jonathan Craven, Mark Dillahunt, Luke Dillahunt and Matthew Craven. He had many nieces and nephews. His nieces Rae Buckey and Suzi Runk had a special place in his heart.

Randall loved telling jokes; growing and giving roses; taking pictures and giving those whom he filmed a copy; helping others; playing Santa Claus and meeting people and giving a smile.  He loved his family and God and was a great example and role model of a Christian man who was honest and sincere.

Randall worked as a postmaster at the Brilliant post office for many years and he retired from Weirton Steel Corp, where he was an order correspondent in the Tin Mill. He served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.

He was a member of the Brilliant United Methodist Church where he served as an usher and conference delegate for many years. He was a member of the Brilliant Lions Club and the Wells Twp. Senior Citizens.

Randall was a member of the Steubenville Masonic Lodge #45 F&AM. In October of 1951 he was made a Master Mason. He became Worshipful Master in 1979 and received his 65-year pin on February 3, 2016. He was also a member of the Steubenville Commandery #11.

He joined the Valley of Steubenville Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in October of 1951, he received his 65-year pin on November 12, 2016 and was coroneted a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33o, Honorary member of the Supreme Council in Cincinnati, Ohio on September 29, 1998. Randall was in many degrees and for many years was Chaplain in the Feast of the Paschal Lamb.

He was Past Worthy Patron of the Order of Eastern Star, LaBelle Chapter #414 and a 40-year member.  He was also a member of Unionport Chapter #360.  He was Past Watchman of Shepard, White Shrine of Jerusalem and a 50-year member.

Randall also belonged to several other Masonic bodies including; Ohio Priory No. 18, Knights of the York Cross of Honor, Holyrood Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, Eastern Ohio River Council No. 297, Allied Masonic Degrees; Ft. Steuben York Rite College No. 194, Order of the Purple Cross; Union Chapter #15, Past High Priest; Union Council, Past Illustrious Master; Joined Commandery, Past Commander and Grand Prelate Emeritus; and KYCH.

Friends will be received on Friday from 6-8 and Saturday from 2-4 and 6-8 at the Wheeler Funeral Home, 712 Third St., Brilliant. There will also be visitation on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral services at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Bob Carson, officiating. Military honors by the Brilliant American Legion will occur at this time. Private burial at Ft. Steuben Burial Estates, Wintersville, OH.

There will be services on Friday by the Brilliant Lions Club at 7 p.m. and the Eastern Star immediately following. On Saturday, there will be services by the Masonic Lodge #45 at 7p.m. and 33rd Degree immediately following.

The family would like to thank Valley Hospice, Trinity West and East, Gables, Capital Home Health Care and Brilliant Fire Department. A special thanks to Bob Hadsell, Butch and Debbie Ford and Patti Retzer.

Memorial contributions may be directed in Randall’s memory to the Masonic Learning Center, 227 N 4th St., Steubenville OH 43952 or the Brilliant United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 525 Labelle St, Brilliant, OH 43913

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