James Allen McRaven
James Allen McRaven, age 78 of Anna, passed away Sunday, Nov. 16, at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion.
He was born on Dec. 10, 1946 in Anna, the son of Claude and Sophronia (Harwood) McRaven.
Allen married Louise Schultz on Oct. 27, 1966. She lost her life due to childbirth complications with their son, Keith Allen McRaven, born on April 18, 1970. Keith passed away after an automobile accident on August 28, 1993.
Despite experiencing such tragic loss of loved ones in his life, Allen remained a constant, steady pillar for the rest of the family.
Allen married Kay Whiteside on March 9, 1973 in Vienna. He and Kay enjoyed a loving marriage of over 47 years until her passing in 2020.
Allen is survived by nieces and nephews, Wesley Penrod, Mitch McRaven, Cindy Penninger, Karen Rumfelt, Tammy McRaven, Allen Wade Penrod and Amy Schaefer; many great and great-great nieces and nephews; good friend and neighbor, Debbie; other relatives and many friends. In addition to his son and spouses, he was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Howard, Louise, David and Martha McRaven.
Allen was a graduate of the Anna-Jonesboro High School class of 1964. He honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict. He was a lifetime member of Carroll P. Foster Post 3455 of the VFW. He worked for many years and retired from the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
He loved children and enjoyed encouraging them, always with a supportive presence and kind words. Known as beloved “Uncle Allen” to many, his wisdom, good nature and smile will be missed.
Funeral services for James Allen McRaven were held on Nov. 19 at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro with Ken Wilson officiating.
Interment followed in the Jonesboro Cemetery. Graveside military rites will be conducted by Carroll P. Foster Post 3455 of the VFW and the Army Funeral Honors Team.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Carroll P. Foster Post 3455 of the VFW. Envelopes will be available at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home.
To visit Allen’s memorial page and leave online condolences for his family, please visit the Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home website at rendlemanhilemanfh.com