Thomas E Craven

Thomas E. Craven, of Brimfield, passed away November 3. He was 89. Born November 2nd, 1934 in Akron to Damian and Estelle (Glassner) Craven. He graduated from Atwater High School and served a 3 year hitch in the Marine Corps. He was employed at a variety of businesses including - Cleveland Worsted Mills, City Loan, Basic Computer, and the former Akron Aeros. He also worked as a bailiff at the Portage County Municipal Court for Judge Robert Kent. His first love, however, was MAGIC. When he was 28 years old a friend's 74 year old father showed him a few card tricks and he was hooked. He dove in and for over 50 years researched, created, developed, perfected, and performed feats of prestidigitation. .., He was a member of both the Youngstown (Ring #2) and Akron (Ring # 161) magic clubs of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM).  Between the two clubs he won the Magician of the Year Award 15 times. The official magazine of the IBM - The Linking Ring - ran his teaching column -CRAVEN'S HAVEN - for 21 years. He taught classes on magic at the Maplewood Vocational School in Ravenna  and  at  Akron  University.  He  also wrote  and published 8 sets of lecture notes, 4 monographs, and a comprehensive book - "My Almost 50 years in Magic".  He performed at the Magic Castle in Hollywood 13 times. At this venue YOU had to be INVITED to perform.  In 1987 at the Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic International Convention he was honored as Magician of the Year. In May, at the 50th FFFF Convention, he was recognized as the ONLY magician who had attended all 50 gatherings.  He owned and operated a magic store in Florida for 7 years, and while  there  performed  at  many  trade  shows  and conventions. He toured the U.S. and Canada giving lectures - and demonstrating techniques. With all these accomplishments he has had a world-wide influence on his chosen art of magic. As if that wasn't enough, he was also an ardent Cleveland sports fan, a 55 year member of the Ravenna Elks Club, and a member of the Akron YMCA.  Preceded in death by his beloved wife Nancy, sister Rita, half-sister Mary, and step-son Rick Laney. Survivors include his brother, James L Craven of Arkansas children: Linda (Edward) Manthey, Kathy (Michael) Rhoads, andJames E. (Connie Barstow) Craven. Step-son Ron Laney; step daughter-in-law Marge Laney 7 grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 2 step great grandchildren.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Youngstown Magic Club % Gary Morton 2953 Templeton Road, Leavittsburg, Ohio 44430.  The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of the Western Reserve Hospice in Medina for their excellent care and compassion for our Dad.  Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Shorts Spicer Crislip funeral home in Ravenna on Tuesday, November 21st, 2023. Calling hours will be from 4:00pm until 6:oo with the service starting at 6:00pm