Hale B. “Hoop” Craven passed away at 1:25 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2020, with loved ones by his side. Hale was born in Worth County, Missouri, to Richard Jay and Alberta Hill Craven, May 27, 1926. Hale attended schools in Atchison and Worth counties, graduating from Worth County High School in 1943. Hale farmed in Atchison and Worth counties before joining the United States Marine Corps. He served in the South Pacific during World War II. Hale returned to Atchison County after his honorable discharge and farmed with his brothers, Jim and Reese Craven, in the Westboro community.

Hale met Laurel Meyer at a dance in Tarkio when he was 26 years old. After five years of dating, Hale finally proposed. On December 1, 1957, Hale and Laurel were united in marriage at the Locust Grove Methodist Church in rural Shenandoah, Iowa. On March 1, 1958, they moved to a farm southeast of Fairfax, Missouri. They resided on this farm until 2013 when they moved to Tarkio, Missouri.

Hale enjoyed hunting, fishing and horses. He loved working with the Missouri High School Rodeo Association for many years. Hale also really enjoyed spending time with his family and his grandkids, working with all of them on the farm as they were growing up.

Hale is survived by three sons, Brian Craven, Fairfax, Missouri, Brett Craven and his wife, Renee, Northboro, Iowa, and Clark Craven, Tarkio; two granddaughters, Chasidy (Matthew) Bryl, Waddell, Arizona, and Brittney (Bradley) Smelt, San Angelo, Texas; four great-grandchildren, Drake Bryl, Eliana Bryl, Meyer Bryl and Adalyn Smelt; two sisters, Beulah Waggoner and Lois (Jim) Powell; sister-in-law, Coral (Ken) Elandt; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Hale was preceded in death by his wife, Laurel Craven; his parents; one infant brother; and brothers, Jim Craven, Reece Craven, and Joe Craven.

A private family graveside service and interment was held Monday, November 23, 2020, at Home Cemetery, Tarkio. Mr. Neil Craven officiated. Military rites were under the auspices of the Allen-Schiffern American Legion Post #199, Tarkio. Due to current conditions, a public memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to Home Cemetery, Tarkio, or Tarkio Nutrition Center. Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com. Services were under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio.