William Fadjo Cravens

William Fadjo Cravens died on February 19, 2012 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Born on January 28th, 1929 in Fort Smith, he was the son of Elizabeth Echols Cravens and William Fadjo Cravens and the grandson of William Ben Cravens, both of whom served as U.S. Congressmen from Arkansas for many years. He attended schools in Fort Smith, Washington D.C., Maryland, Massachusetts and was graduated from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville with a degree in history. An enthusiastic and noted Arkansas historian and collector, he spoke to groups on Fort Smith history and played a key role in establishing the Fort Smith National Historic Site. He was a Vice President of Merchants National Bank from which he retired after 31 years in 1982. He served as a delegate to the 7th Arkansas State Constitutional Convention in 1969-1970. He was active as a leader in many charitable and civic organizations and was a proud member of Noon Civics Club. Fadjo enjoyed reading, singing, fine art, and researching family genealogy. He was a stickler for the Queen's English and would frequently correct any and all who misspoke it. He was married to Kate Sparks Bemis, his beloved "Tookie" of Prescott, Arkansas, who predeceased him in 1994. He is survived by his sister, Katherine E. Cravens, six sons; Charles F. and wife Susan, Thomas R. and wife Pamela, William B. and wife Sammye, David A. and wife Lorraine, John B. and wife Julie, and W. Sparks, 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A private family graveside service will be held at Oak Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at Mr. Cravens' home on Thursday, February 23rd from 5 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 72901 or the United States Marshals Museum, 100 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 72901. Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.