Michael " Mike" Anthony Cravener

Michael (Mike) Anthony Cravener (72) Born July 8, 1953, in Kittanning PA. Passed away on June 20, 2026, at the Mustian Center, Tallahassee FL after a short illness. Survived by his wife, Susan, son Matthew, daughter Amy, grandchildren Zachary and Mia. Graduated from Kittanning High School and left at age 18, standing on the corner at Allen’s Drugstore in Kittanning waiting for the bus to take him to Fort Dix for basic training; wondering at the time if he would ever return to Kittanning. Having learned from one of his Drill Sergeants, “If you only do the bare minimum, you will outshine the rest”, he took that advice with him into each endeavor. Spent four years in the Army Security Agency, stationed at Homestead Air Force Base, and spending his last year in Thailand, 7th RRFS, Ramasun from 1974-75. While there he volunteered as a DJ, Magic Mike, for Rockin’ Ramasun Radio. Also, while in Thailand, he survived a kidnapping at knifepoint. He later returned to Homestead where he was employed at 7-11 and survived being robbed at gunpoint on his first night. He later attended Miami Dade College and graduated with an AA degree in Criminology and Criminal Law. He began a 25 year career with the Department of Corrections, Dade Correctional Institution, serving as a Correctional Officer, Investigative Lieutenant, head of the Control Force Team, winning the trophy three years in a row, and finally, being promoted to Prison Inspector. While at Dade Correctional, he met his future wife Susan. Upon pulling into the parking lot after a vacation in Kittanning PA and seeing her walking toward the Institution, asked, “who’s the blonde”? Was told that was his new secretary; a relationship began and they were married on June 28, 1985, and have enjoyed 41 years of marriage. They adopted Matthew in 1994 and moved to Tallahassee FL. He thoroughly enjoyed managing his son’s musical career, promoting, advising, and supporting him along his musical journey. He began working at FSU Medical School as a standardized patient, later heading the Department for ten years. He enjoyed traveling, having yearly New Year’s Eve parties with family and friends, writing and performing parody songs for some. He also enjoyed being “Uncle Mike” to many; always advising them of “Life’s Plan”; school, college, job, marriage, children; stressing, “in that order”. He was a mentor to several whom he loved, listened to, and advised. A wonderful man, full of fun, advice and love and care for all. A Christian who loved the Lord and always said that “death” was the “ultimate test of faith”. He may have passed from this earth on June 20, 2026, but he survives in Heaven with our Lord today and for eternity. May we all meet up there one day and spend eternity together. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Bevis Funeral Home Chapel, 200 John Knox Rd. Tallahassee, FL 32303, the memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM. The inurnment and rendering of military honors will be at 1:00 PM, at Tallahassee National Cemetery, 5015 Apalachee parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32311. Todd Wahlquist is assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com).

Tributes

Michael " Mike" Anthony Cravener

July 8, 1953 - June 20, 2026