Dennis Stokes Craven, age 76, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2022. Dennis was born in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Henry Eddins Craven II and Lillian Stokes Craven. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Henry Eddins Craven III “Eddie” that he shared a special lifelong bond with. Dennis the Menace as Eddie lovingly called him, always wished they could have spent more time together and gotten further on their "to do" list. He was born in Maryland, but moved to Lake Charles, Louisiana in 1953 when his father became the plant manager at W.R. Grace. Dennis loved growing up here. He told many wonderful stories of times spent at Lake Charles Country Club where he began his lifelong love of golf, times spent at their family’s camp, hunting, fishing, water skiing and much loved social time with his friends.
Dennis worked in sales for over 30 years for Nancrede Engineering. He made sure his daughters always had a nice water softener system and encouraged everyone to have one. He was proud to have been involved in the Lucas Oil Stadium and the local schools and hospitals water systems.
If you knew Dennis, you know that he was a loyal friend. His friends were like family. Dennis was an amazing chef and loved cooking for others. He brought the tastes of Louisiana to Indiana and enjoyed nothing more than hosting and entertaining. He was also the self-nominated pool monitor at his community pool where he spent most of his summer afternoons. If there was a euchre game going on, you could always count him in. He was known, loved and will be missed by many.
Dennis was a loving family man. He was dedicated to his daughters and loved their swim meets and softball games. One of his favorite things each year was the family vacation to Destin, Florida in the fall. Beautiful memories were created here that will always be remembered by his children, grandchildren, and his entire family and friends.
Dennis is survived by his two daughters, Brooke Vinton (Douglas) and Stacy Dolson (Ian); five grandchildren, Natalie Vinton, Amelia Vinton, Andrew Vinton, Alexander Vinton, and Sailor Dolson; niece, Cami Hoffpauir (Philip); nephews, Christopher Craven (Torie) and Mark Louviere (Kellee); and the special women in his life, his former wife, Debby Craven and companion, Cathy Smith.
A Visitation for Dennis will be held Thursday, December 29, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary, 2126 E 71st St, Indianapolis, Indiana 46220 with a Funeral Service to follow at 6:00 PM. A Visitation will also be held Wednesday, January 4, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at J. E. Hixson & Sons, 3001 Ryan St, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601. A Graveside Service will follow Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 2:30 PM at Prien Memorial Park, Lake Charles, Louisiana where he will be laid to rest with his parents and brother.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.feeneyhornakkeystone.com for the Craven family.
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