Patrick J. Craven, age 63 of Jackson Twp., passed away suddenly on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013 at his residence.

Born in Akron, he had lived in Jackson Township most of his life.

Patrick had a long career in capital equipment sales including Craven Graphics, B.F. Goodrich and BASF.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, North Canton Eagles and Willowdale Lake where he enjoyed fishing like a champ.

He was a football coach for 12 years with Jackson Youth Football where he was more than just a coach to hundreds of his young players. He was also a long-time member of the Jackson Sideliners. He enjoyed building and helped his many children in remodeling their homes, building sheds, and building play-sets for his numerous grandchildren. His amazing wood-working skills helped to furnish many of their homes. Above all, Patrick enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren at his home where love and laughter lived. He is best known for his giant heart and willingness to help anyone.

Patrick is survived by his wife Barbara (Dixon) Craven of Jackson Twp., father and step-mother James (Carol) Craven of Akron, sons and daughters-in-law; Timothy and Cheryl Craven of Plain Twp., Michael and Laurie Craven of Jackson Twp., Daniel and Melissa Craven of Jackson Twp., sons; Patrick Craven of Washington, D.C., Sean and James Craven of Jackson Twp., daughters and sons-in-law; Erin and James Adkins of Plain Twp. And Colleen and Jeff Kracker of Jackson Twp., brother Thomas Craven of Phoenix, AZ and twelve grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother Alice (Moritz) Craven and brother Timothy Craven.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 10, 2013 from 2 to 5 P.M. at Heitger Funeral Home, JACKSON CHAPEL 5850 Wales Ave. N.W., Jackson Twp.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 11, 2013 at 11 A.M. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 206 Cherry Rd. N.E., Massillon, Ohio 44646 with Rev. Edward Gretchko celebrant. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Gardens in Massillon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, 6250 N. Andrews Av., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309-2130 or St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

For additional information, directions or to sign the online guest book, log on to www.heitger.com. Heitger Funeral Home and Cremation Service - Jackson Chapel (330) 830-0148