Clarence Craver


Clarence “Larry” W. Craver passed away on November 6, 2022, at Flint-McLaren Hospital after an unexpected fall at his home. He fought a valiant fight, but Jesus did call him home and gave him the peace he needed. Larry was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and grew up in Clarksville, graduating from Lakewood in 1966 and was a long-time resident of Olivet, Michigan.
He retired from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Department in 2003 and then began to enjoy his last 19 years. He and wife Judi purchased a cabin in the woods of Luce County, north of Newberry near Lake Superior. Larry spent hours upon hours hunting for that perfect agate and sitting with Judi watching glorious sunsets together. He also enjoyed taking part in the re-enactments of the French and Indian war era, the 1700s, with his beloved muzzle loading buds and their newest game, trying to shoot bowling pins with their flintlock rifles. He spent hours making powder horns, leather bags and wooden boxes to go with his encampment and collecting items to create the perfect effect he wanted to accomplish. His lifelong dream was to have a Harley-Davidson and ride the wind, he had not one, but he succeeded in having two. Larry and Judi loved exploring the many junk and antique shops for that one special thing he could not live without. He loved his family and was so very proud of the accomplishments they all have made in growing up and spreading their wings.
His spirit will continue through the love of his life, Judi; having 42 blessed years of marriage together which began on February 9, 1980. He also leaves behind daughter, Tracie (Larry) Somerset; son, Chad Czerneski; grandchildren, Adam (Danielle) Lampe, Mercer Hardy, Joshua (Alexis) Lampe, Carleigh, Collin and Chad Czerneski Jr.; great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Anna Lampe, Mikah and Lukas Lampe; sisters, Doris (David) Middleton, Helen (Richard) Pluth; brother, Steve (Sherri) Craver; sister-in-law Nancy (Robert) Bach; brother-in-law, Thomas (Debi) Chapman; multiple nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews; and great-great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence W. Craver Sr.; mother, Eileen (Hathaway) Craver Ellis; son, Adam Craver; brothers, Paul and William Frost; sister, Barbara Harrington; nephew, Jeff Shellenbarger; and father and mother-in-law, Bart and Connie Chapman.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Life Celebration was held at the Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte, Wednesday, November 16th with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.
The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Larry’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone).
In lieu of flowers Judith has requested donations be made to the charity of your choice.