By By Lydia Grimes
features reporter
Brewton lost one of its long-time citizens on Tuesday when Craver’s Funeral Home founder Marshall P. Craver Jr. died at the age of 92.
Craver was a native of Roanoke, Ala., and a resident of Brewton since 1944. He died at William F. Green State Veterans Home in Bay Minette. Prior to his move to Brewton, he received a law degree from Atlanta Law School and graduated from Gupton Jones Embalming College in Nashville, Tenn. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Merchant Marines.
After operating the funeral home; previously owned by J.W. Adkisson, Craver built new funeral homes in Brewton and Flomaton, serving the people of Escambia County, the funeral profession and ambulance service more than 45 years.
Mike Godwin had only good memories about Craver.
Craver was civic-minded serving as former president of the Brewton Rotary Club, with the distinct honor of being the oldest member in age and membership. He was a former member of the T.R. Miller Quarterback Club, former president of the Alabama Funeral Directors Association, former president of the United Fund Drive, founder of Green Acres Memorial Cemetery and former director in the Bank of Brewton. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Brewton and served as a deacon in the church.
Craver is survived by his wife, Ellen Farish Craver; a daughter, Ellen (Larry) Bailey of Brewton; one son, the Rev. Marshall (Jan) Craver III of Mobile; and eight grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Oct. 13, at 11 a.m. at Craver’s Funeral Home with his son, the Rev. Marshall P. Craver III, officiating. Burial followed in Union Cemetery with Craver’s Funeral Home directing. Serving as active pallbearers were Scotty Byrne, Ray Langham, Jim McCracken, Thad Moore, Jr., Lee Otts and Mike Godwin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Presbyterian Church of Brewton or the Presbyterian Home for Children.