Ronald Craver

Ronald Retson Craver, 63, of rural Bloomfield, Iowa passed away on November 16, 2023 near Downing, Missouri. He was born on March 6, 1960 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Robert Retson and Dorothy Lounsbury Craver. Ron married Marcie Northup in 1988 in Ottumwa, Iowa, they later divorced. He married Adriana Stinnett in 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona, they later divorced. Ron was a professional bull fighter for over 40 years, and officially hung up his cleats in 2008, but still stepped back in the arena occasionally. His career took him all over the country where he met many lifelong friends. He fought bulls for men like Lane Frost, Tuff Hedeman, and Don Gay. He worked for Mesquite Rodeo and Rafter G Ranch for three years. Ron appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live to promote the PBR with Gus the Wonder Bull. Ron helped at and managed dude ranches in Wyoming, Arizona, and Alaska. He met Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush. Vice-President Dick Cheney’s daughter and granddaughter visited one of the ranches and Ron went horseback riding with them. He cherished those memories and events. Over the years, he was a member of various associations including; PBR, PRCA, IPRA, URA, NFPB, BOA, IRCA, and MRCA. He participated numerous years in Fort Madison, Iowa at the Special Kids Rodeo. Ron won the “Bullfighter of the Year Award” many times and “Bullfighter of the Finals” which were both voted on by contestants. He was loved by the rodeo contestants and fans. Godspeed Big Ron Craver the Cowboy Saver, your entry fees have been paid. He is survived by his daughter, Tara (Jamie) Kane of Garrison, Iowa; son, Tonch (Sarah) Craver of Lancaster, Missouri; two granddaughters, Freya and Flora Craver; step-daughter, Sam Stinnett of Scottsdale, Arizona; uncle and aunt, Donald and Darlene Lounsbury; two cousins, Kristi Lounsbury, Joe Lounsbury; nephews, Brian Gonterman; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father; mother; step-father, William Baker; and sister, Debi Clark. Ron’s wish was to be cremated. A get-together with family and friends will be held from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at Whippoorwill Acres in Lancaster, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to his family and mailed to: Ron Craver Memorial, 5929 16th Ave, Garrison, Iowa 52229. Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield, Iowa is assisting the family.

Ronald Craver

March 6, 1960 - November 16, 2023