Martin Colbin Craven, Sr. was born December 1st, 1945 in Mallet, Louisiana to Ashton & Orenia Craven. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 20th, 2022. He was preceded in Death by his parents, brothers Cleveland, John Albin, Ashton, Peter Louis, Dr Carroll Guillory, sister Merci Thibodeaux, and step-son Ray Anthony Thomas.

He is survived by his adoring wife of 43 years, Glorene, daughter Orenia, son Martin Jr and wife Alicia, brothers Daniel Craven, Patrick Craven (Andrea), Nelson Craven (Vivian), CSM Robert Craven (Shirbillion), sisters Catherine Boutte, Eva Margaret Portier, Dorothy Thibodeaux, Linda Magee, & Brenda Craven, along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family & friends.

Martin was a star athlete growing up in St Landry Parish excelling at all sports but especially Track & Field, and graduated 3rd in his class from Carter G Woodson High School in 1964. He attended Southern University before moving to California to join The Peace Corps.

Martin married the love of his life Glorene and to this union two children were born, and he provided them with a beautiful life.

Martin worked over 35 years in the Industrial Cleaning Industry. He worked his way up and did every job, finally retiring as an Operations Manager a few years ago. Affectionately known to all as Big Daddy, he was the first face you saw as you entered the building, (if you were lucky enough to get past him).

Martin loved to coordinate family parties, reunions, and events. Making sure that everything and everyone was included and taken care of was a natural instinct and talent of his. He loved to "Burn up his Pit" for all and would send you home with BBQ leftovers for days. If you were ever lucky enough to discuss Sports or attend a sporting event with him, you were in for a treat. He faithfully watched all sports, especially his beloved 49er's, Astros, & Rockets and some of the best memories his children have are going to The Rockets & Astros games with him, along with attending every Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo they could.

Martin was an active member of St Luke The Evangelist Catholic Church for over 30 years, serving as an Usher, Greeter, 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, and anywhere else he was needed.

In his retirement, he got back to his roots, cultivating a backyard garden full of fresh vegetables such as Okra, Mustard Greens, Tomatoes, Bell Peppers and much more.

A loving son, brother, Uncle Bear, husband and father, his example will shine on through every life he touched near and far. Whether guiding you through life's twists and turns, or making you laugh until you couldn't breathe with one of his famous jokes or stories, he always had an open heart and a big smile when you crossed paths.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, Saturday, May 28, at 11:00am with visitation one hour prior to the service; Rite of Committal will follow at Houston Memorial Gardens.