Joseph E. Craven, III, 79, of Indianapolis, passed away March 6, 2014. The son of Joseph E., Jr. and Doris P. Miller Craven, Joe was born in Indianapolis on March 8, 1934.

He was the owner of Apex Wholesales, a wholesaler of candy, tobacco and paper products, retiring in the 1980''s. He was a veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of Friedens United Church of Christ, the John Birch Society. For 23 years, he was a volunteer at Community Hospital South. He loved gardening and was a member of the Southside Gardner''s Bowling League.

Rev. Marc S. Hayden will conduct a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. March 11, 2014 in Friedens United Church of Christ - 8300 South Meridian Street, Indianapolis. Friends may call at the church from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. March 10, 2014 and one hour prior to services on Tuesday. Entombment will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Greenwood.

Joe is survived by his wife, Janice K. Shipman Craven of Indianapolis, whom he married on August 5, 1956; son, Mark T. Craven of Greenwood; daughter, Michelle L. Craven-Powell of Stinesville; grandchildren, Brittany, Sarah and Savannah Craven, Mitchell and Matthew Powell. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Scott M. Craven.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund at Friedens United Church of Christ - 8300 South Meridian Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46217.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Greenwood in charge of arrangements.