Larry Craven

Larry (L.W.) Craven was born and raised in central Nebraska, graduating from Wood River High School in 1958. After high school, he relocated to Bellflower, CA and began working as an installer/repairman for AT&T when he received his Army draft notice. 

Just before his enlistment, he was introduced to Gloria Bailey, who quickly became the love of his life. They were married in 1963, shortly before his deployment to Panama. Larry proudly served as a cable splicer for the US Army Telephone Exchange in Panama City for two years. While there, he came to appreciate the tropical climate, food and Panamanians, who called him “Poco Rojo” (Little Red). 

Larry was honorably discharged in 1965, returning to California and his bride. They started a family in 1967 and soon decided to return to his Nebraska roots. After a brief move to Rushville, NE, the cravens settled in Grand Island, where they raised three children. Larry retired from Quest Communications in 2000 and remains active in the local telephone pioneers. Larry continues to support the local VFW and receives excellent care form the GI VA medical center.