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Bruce Peter Cravens (Boompa) 87 years old, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 12, 2008 after a long illness. Born January 13, 1921 in St. Louis, MO and raised in Oak Park, IL. Upon high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps to serve in WWII. Bruce received his Bombadier diploma July 1, 1944 from AAF Bomb School in Deming, NM. From his temporary station at Hamilton AFB in California, his flight squadron was deployed by secret orders to Barking Sands Air Combat Center, Kauai. Squadron #819 Oahu flew many bombing missions throughout the Pacific during World War II, the most notable over Iwo Jima in their B-24, attacking Mount Suribachi protecting the Marines trying to secure Iwo Jima. After the war, 1st Lieutenant Bruce Cravens married Norma Jean Bullis, sister of his Chief Pilot James S. Bullis, Jr. He graduated from Northwestern University and returned to California eventually settling in San Marino, CA to raise his family. Bruce spent many years in commercial real estate, first for Signal Oil Company and then as an independent broker. Bruce and Jean relocated to Los Ranchos, NM in 1976 and he spent the rest of his working years as a developer and residential builder. Most notable with daughter Susie Fairchild, Realtor, the Sauvignon Community adjacent to the Tanoan Golfcourse. Bruce was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean Bullis Cravens; and his parents Cecil Earl Cravens (Peter) and Ida Heibell Cravens. He is survived by his brother Earl Cravens; three daughters, Susie Fairchild (partner Doug Vaughan), twins Patti Cravens Reed (Steve), Paula Jean Sievers (John); seven grandchildren, Jeff Fairchild, Jeanne Fairchild, Chris Reed (wife Jess), twins Julie and Alex Reed, Catelin Sievers, and Hilary Sievers. Bruce was an avid golfer into his 80's and maintained a 12 handicap often walking 36 holes at his Albuquerque Country Club. Cherished by his devoted family, and many business and personal friends, the closest of which was Leo Bartolucci. We will all miss his dry wit, but most of all that twinkle in his eye. A true gentleman who lived and died with great grace and dignity. Cremation has taken place and a Private Family Service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in his name to the Northwestern University Alumni Association.
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