Vernon E. Craven

Born to the late William and Bettye (VanSlyke) Craven in Meadville, PA. Vern always said he grew up in Western, PA. He lived in towns spanning from Albion, PA to Waynesburg, PA. Vernon developed a love for the outdoors early in life. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He cherished the woods feeling closest to his creator in the crisp forest air. Craven’s Haven was the family hunting cabin that created countless years of memories for family and friends.

He was a member of Zion Covenant Church in Jamestown, NY.

He loved working with his hands and never met a project he couldn’t figure out. Whether fixing, building, or improving something around the house; his skill, patience, and creativity were admired by all who knew him.

TJ Mankey Engineering and Surveying took Vern under their wing as an apprentice, eventually giving Vern the reins to draw up a client’s house plans. The house was built in Waynesburg, PA. He dedicated his career to the phone company, starting with Mid Continent in Meadville then transferring to Kittanning with Alltel, and later retiring in 2015 with Windstream being the area manager in Jamestown, NY. He then picked up a fun part time job helping others with finding the perfect tool for a project at Everydays True Value.

Above all, he was a faithful husband to Linda L. (McLane) Craven whom he married on September 22, 1979 in Meadville, PA. Vernon and Linda started off in Kittanning, PA as newlyweds but later settled down with two young daughters Jennifer (Andrew) Nelson of Fairview, PA and Autumn (Brian) Hagberg of Warren, PA in the small town of Frewsburg, NY. He continually prayed over his daughters and grandchildren (Caleb, Anna, Tyler, Makena, Caitlin and Brielle). He is also survived by his sister Chista (Jill Shaffer) Craven of Harborcreek, PA and brother Kenneth (Christina) Craven of Kittanning, PA as well as many nieces and nephews, one of whom calls him ‘dad’.

A man of few words, but when he spoke, he had a remarkable ability to make people think with his insights or laugh with his perfectly timed wit. He especially loved Christmas, often going all out to make the season memorable for his family. Vern will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and sound advice giver. All of which came along with wit and a twinkle in his eye. He was truly a man whose life was deeply rooted in faith, family and the outdoors.

A memorial visitation for Vern will be held Thursday, September 4th, 2025 from 2:30-4:30 PM at Zion Covenant Church in Jamestown, NY. Friends and family are invited to gather, share stories, and remember Vern. A service will follow the visitation at 4:30pm. The family asks that you honor Vern by coming just as he would — comfortable in jeans and plaid, coffee in hand. Casual dress is encouraged.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Peterson Funeral Home, Frewsburg.

You may leave a memory of Vern and words of condolence by visiting www.petersonfh.net.