Mark Cravens

January 3, 1961 - June 26, 2021
Mark  Cravens thumbnail
 
Marana Mortuary & Cemetery
Chip Thormin
Chip Thormin
Black Hat Conference Associate Team
Barbara Clark
Heather Estep
Patti Brubaker Light a candle

Obituary

Mark Lawrence Cravens born to Larry and Suellyn (nee Jones) Cravens on January 3, 1961 in Santa Barbara, CA and raised in Kalamazoo, MI passed away on June 26, 2021 at home in Marana, AZ.  He married Jennifer Daugherty on June 16, 2010. She survives.

He graduated from North Cobb High School Class of 1978 in Kennesaw, GA.  He then joined the Military and served in the Air Force (Active Duty), MI Army and Air National Guard, an Active Duty Tour at National Guard Bureau in Washington DC, IL Air National Guard, and AZ Air National Guard retiring in 2014 with a total of 22 years of military service.  While patriotically serving, Mark graduated in 1997 from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor’s of Political Science and Government; 2018 from University of Advancing Technology with a Bachelor’s of Network Security and 2019 with a Masters of Cybersecurity; and he was attending Dakota State University Graduate School pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy – PhD Cybersecurity Defense.

During college, he was involved in College Republicans, Constitution Club, Eagle Forum Collegians, graduate of Morton C. Blackwell Leadership Institute, Alpha Beta Kappa National Honor Society, BlackHat Conference Associate, and the Robotics Club.

He was of Mormon faith, Free Mason Knights Templar of the Scottish Rite, and a Master Genealogist for over 30 years.

He was a compassionate person who was also conservative, intelligent, creative, and energetic with a zeal for creating new projects and to help others make their environment better.  Mark was a patriot who loved raising his Siberian Huskies, other dogs, cats and fish.  His hobbies included reading, writing, cryptology, genealogy, Freemasonry, motorcycles, drones, robots, camping and a lot more.  One of his favorites was taking friends out on the side by side in the Marana area where he lived.

He is also survived by his son Matthew, grandson Jacob, Timothy Cravens (Beckie) of Kalamazoo, MI; Wendy Green (fiancé Jim Ortez of Pullman, MI; Joseph Cravens (Cindy) of Oregon; Kari Banks of Florida, aunts/uncles, nieces/nephews and cousins.

Mark was proceeded in death by his parents.

Mark will be buried in the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at Marana.  Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to your local Animal Shelter, To Air Force Aid Society with a request to be utilized to support Air National Guard Members, or your local American Legion Post with a request to be utilized for their Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) Fund.

Leave a Condolence

Timeline for Mark Cravens

Born: January 3, 1961
Died: June 26, 2021

Condolences for Mark Cravens

Marana Mortuary & Cemetery

Our sincere condolences.

The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.

 

matthew ryan cravens posted on 7/12/23

my father never cared for his own child hell he was married to a child .all I ever tried to do was make the man proud but it was never good enough,the fact the only cravens male left to carry our last name he left nothing is very sad to here considering you all thought he was a saint..yall didn't witness the abuse of my mother and myself as a very young child,I have to say I tried and my own father wanted nothing to do with me ..special place in hell for people like you and your wife,I was not even made aware of any services still don't know if there is a will everything he owned including home in holland I was promised in a LLC in which the wife that didn't even take our last name controls..you should contact me wicked step mother 904.882.9035

 

Kathy Cross posted on 7/2/21

Jennifer, I’m heart broken to hear of Marks passing. He was a unique guy and he always had a smile to give to all. He has left us here but the memories of him will live on through all who knew him. Prayers for you and all.

 

Janet Wood Holroyd posted on 7/2/21

I am saddened to read this obituary this morning. I was friends with Mark in elementary school, then reconnected through social media. Mark and my Dad had a close bond years ago and thought very highly of each other. Many, many blessings to all who love him. He will be missed

 

Chip Thormin posted on 7/1/21

To Jennifer and Marks Family, I send my heartfelt condolences. Mark was a fellow NCO and friend at NGB. I was blessed to work with him. His focus was always on taking care of the field and mission. He was the guy that would bust his backside to take care of people. I shall miss his passion for NASCAR racing and his love of all things Star Wars. I’ll close with this. Mark was a true and loyal friend. If you ask why? Just ask those fortunate enough to have the honor to know Mark. GOD Speed my friend. Until we meet again, Rest In Peace

 

Chip Thormin posted on 7/1/21

To Jennifer and Marks Family, I send my heartfelt condolences. Mark was a fellow NCO and friend at NGB. I was blessed to work with him. His focus was always on taking care of the field and mission. He was the guy that would bust his backside to take care of people. I shall miss his passion for NASCAR racing and his love of all things Star Wars. I’ll close with this. Mark was a true and loyal friend. If you ask why? Just ask those fortunate enough to have the honor to know Mark. GOD Speed my friend. Until we meet again, Rest In Peace

 

Rick Downs posted on 6/30/21

I can still hear that silly ass laugh of his! Wonderful childhood memories were made when all of our families were together. Thank you Mark for staying in touch as we got older, cousins forever buddy! My condolences Jennifer and to Mark’s son Matt. A life cut short, but you lived life your way Cuz! Now Rest In Peace.

 

Tom Hornsby posted on 6/30/21

Mark is the husband of my best friend. We did NASCAR and Star Wars conventions and all around had great times. Mark was well versed in a lot of subjects and could tell fine details on anything. He always had a joke ready and could light up a dark room. He was the life of the party. Being around him could turn your bad day into a great day. If you were feeling down, he always had a way to make you better. Such a generous man who would literally give you the shirt off his back. Peace be with you Mark, peace be with you Jennifer

 

Greg Miles posted on 6/30/21

Rest in Peace Mark, you will be missed. Peace to your family and friends.

 

Black Hat Conference Associate Team posted on 6/30/21

Mark's Black Hat family is so sad to hear of his passing. He was a ROCKSTAR on our CA team and will be so greatly missed. Sending tons of prayers, well wishes, and virtual hugs to you and your family. - Black Hat Conference Associate Team

 

Barbara Clark posted on 6/30/21

Mark you encouraged me when I really needed to see a bright spot in life. You encouraged me to take care of my troops and help each one in their own journey as a Airmen. Thank you for your encouragement throughout the years You will be missed… Barbara

 

Heather Estep posted on 6/30/21

I was very sad to hear the news of Mark passing away. Gone way too soon. It was such a pleasure working with him in FSS in the AZ ANG. He was always cheerful and helpful and just an all around good person. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family.

 

Anna and Louie Vasquez posted on 6/29/21

Jen, May our condolences bring you comfort and may our prayers ease the pain of your loss of Mark. Anna & Louie

 

Jimmy and Jennie posted on 6/29/21

We are so very sorry to hear about Mark. Always thought a lot of him. He will be in our prayers love Uncle Jimmy and Jennie ❤️ 404-314-8031

 

Jimmy and Jennie posted on 6/29/21

We are so very sorry to hear about Mark. Always thought a lot of him. He will be in our prayers love Uncle Jimmy and Jennie ❤️ 404-314-8031

 

Matt Lee posted on 6/29/21

I'm very sorry to hear of my cousins passing. I have a lot of fond memories from our childhood from the many family gatherings we all attended. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Jennifer, son Matthew and grandson Jacob. Thoughts and Prayers, Matt & Kathy Lee Byron Center, MI

 

Patti Brubaker posted on 6/29/21

Being new to the neighborhood Mark was one of the few that befriended me and offered help when i needed it His passions were strong and you could tell he loved life Peace to you Mark You will be missed

 

Lisa Harrison posted on 6/29/21

Heaven welcomed a wonderful friend. We are wishing you comfort in friendship and hope in prayer to guide your through this difficult time Jennifer. Rest in Peace Mark you will be missed. With Love Jeff & Lisa Harrison

 

Kim Neale posted on 6/29/21

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family!! Abundance of prayers sent up for you and your family.

 

158