Kenneth (Kenny) Martin Craven Jr.

Kenneth Martin Craven Jr. (Kenny), 52, of Hammond, Louisiana, passed away on July 8th, 2023.

Kenny is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Laura Johnson Craven; their children, Carley (Mason) Decoteau, Cree (Peyton) Steib, Caiya (Gerald) Wilbon, and Champ (Danielle) Craven; their grandchildren, Eden and Silas Steib, and Leo Decoteau; siblings; Benjamin Craven and Mandy (Claudius) Koenig; and his beloved dog, Maiya.

Kenny is preceded in death by his grandchild, Baby Wilbon; grandparents, O.R. and Addonice Craven Jr., and W.T. and Mary Chisholm.

Kenny was born in Anchorage, Alaska, to Kenneth Martin and Mary Jane Chisholm Craven Sr. A native of Ellisville, Mississippi, Kenny was a standout football player. He graduated from West Jones High School in 1990, attended Jones County Junior College, and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi. Kenny boxed professionally from 1996 to 2007, which contributed to much of his growth as a person. From the places he traveled to the people he encountered, Kenny learned, experienced, and adopted a new outlook. His perspective changed as he gained a profound and unique passion to love others and give without expecting, regardless of their circumstances. This perspective ultimately became his greatest gift, leading him to take on the mission to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Kenny loved nothing more than to be surrounded by his kids and grandkids. Regardless of the many accomplishments in Kenny’s life, he considered this one the greatest.

Kenny was a 5th-grade teacher at Martha Vineyard Elementary in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. His impact on these kids will be felt for years to come. Kenny would want all of his students to know how much he loves each and every one of them.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life at 2:00 pm on Sunday, July 16th, 2023, at the West Jones High School gym. In place of flowers, we ask you to please donate to “Waves of Giving” (Venmo username @wavesofgiving). Waves of Giving is a non-profit organization created by Kenny and Laura to meet the needs of children and families in the Hammond/Ponchatoula communities.

To cease from being obsessive is to settle for mediocrity. -Kenneth Martin Craven Jr.

NQIM