Perry P. Craver, 94

Perry P. Craver, 94

KENNEBUNK, Maine — Perry Parsons Craver, 94, of Kennebunk died Friday, Feb. 12, 2016, at his home following a brief period of failing health.

Perry was born Nov. 10, 1921, in Worcester, Massachusetts, the son of Edgar A. and Marjory Parsons Craver.

A graduate of Vermont Academy, he attended Dartmouth College, class of 1944, before entering the Army Air Corp. Stationed in Italy, Perry piloted a B-24 ultimately completing 50 missions during World War II. On return to Scott Air Force Base in Illinois to attend communication school Perry met the love of his life, Virginia Elizabeth Hill. On June 10, 2015, they celebrated 70 years of marriage.

Upon Perry's discharge from the Army Air Corps, he worked for American Airlines in New York and Connecticut. He was briefly employed by Naugatuck Chemicals, before he found and bought a small Western Auto store in Laconia, New Hampshire, which he operated for more than 30 years.

While residing in Laconia, he served his community as a City Councilor for two terms, acted as a Boy Scout leader and was a member of the Laconia Congregational Church, serving as a deacon and later a trustee. Additionally, Perry served on the Lakes Region of NH Dartmouth Alumni Association where he often interviewed prospective candidates.

Moving to Kennebunk in 1983 he and Betty became active in the community through membership with the South Congregational Church in Kennebunkport and the Senior Center in Lower Village where he volunteered to drive in the FISH program. Perry was a member of the Webhannet Golf Club, the Edgecombe Tennis Club, the Senior Center, and the Brick Store Museum Bridge Club.

In growing up, Perry and his three brothers spent their summers sailing on Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg (Webster Lake) in Webster, Massachusetts. He shared his lifelong love of sailing in teaching his children and grandchildren to sail on the lakes in Webster and the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. In the winter, Perry and his children skied the trails of Gunstock.

In retirement, Perry was an avid golfer, tennis player, and player of bridge. He even found time to cultivate his gardens raising vegetables and gladiolas. Most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his family and his friends.

"In golf as in life it is the follow-through that makes the difference."

- Anonymous

Survivors include his devoted wife Virginia Elizabeth "Betty" Craver of Kennebunk; children Marjory Craver Wilkinson of Laconia, New Hampshire, Perry Parsons Craver Jr. of Laconia, William Charles Craver of Henniker, New Hampshire, Sarah Lucia Gurry of Wells, and James Allen Craver of Gilford, New Hampshire; a brother, Nelson Bates Craver of Webster; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Perry was predeceased by two brothers, John N. Craver and Edgar G. Craver; and a grandson, Timothy M. Craver.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, at South Congregational Church, 2 North St., Kennebunkport.

Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital, Maine Medical Center, Development Office, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04102, or Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 US Route 1, #1, Scarborough, ME 04074.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Perry's Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St, Kennebunk.