Paul Craven

Paul Craven, 42, of DeSoto Kansas, beloved husband, father, son and brother, died September 3rd, 2010 after a short but courageous battle with cancer. A Celebration of Paul's life will be held on Tuesday, September 7th at 3 pm at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 14275 S. Blackbob Rd, Olathe, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Paul's memory to Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Rd KC MO, 64145 or the American Cancer Society.

Paul was born September 20, 1967 and grew up in Prairie Village, KS where he graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in 1986. He earned his BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Kansas where he was a member of Acacia fraternity and met the love of his life, Nancy Sloan. He earned his MBA from Baker University. Paul worked for many years at a local engineering firm Kansas City Deaerator Company.

Paul lived a full life and was full of life. He loved to Barbeque and was an avid competitor in the Lenexa and American Royal barbecues with his team, Party Rescue. He and his family enjoyed boating at Clinton Lake, racing go-karts and entertaining at "Club Craven." There was no project too big or too small at his home or at those of his friends and family to tackle and successfully complete. More than anything, Paul was a wonderful husband and father, and a great friend to many. Paul is survived by his wife Nancy and his children, Jack and Katie. He is also survived by his parents, Carol and Bob Craven of St. Charles, MO, his sister, Susan Craven of Morrisville, NC, his brother, Steve and wife Kris Craven and nephews, Joel and Nathan of Lawrence, KS, and his aunt, Dora May Craven of Moberly, MO. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Kansas City Hospice House for their compassionate care of Paul and his family during his final days.