Who would later be known as the patriarch of the family, Richard Crawford was born on June 20, 1920, to Clem and Celia Crawford, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He was the baby of 9 (in every science of the word). His parents and all siblings preceded him in death.

Being from a large family, Richard was educated along side some of his siblings and many of his nieces and nephews at St. Paul Lutheran Academy. There, a natural sportsman was on the rise, for he excelled in all sports, but especially football.  The tale is told of how he’d never wear a helmet yet in still, never had a wave out of place. They say, he was an “All American” (he was sSUPER even then). Richard was mischievous and one example of this devilish side was while in the school choir, you could always count on him singing off key just to make everyone. St. Paul Baptist Church was where he was baptized by Rev. Dickson; a gesture he would trust and believe in for the rest of his life.

Having an adventurous spirit and longing to be on the go, Uncle Richard enlisted in the United States Navy, at the age of 22, in May 1942-October 1950 and was honorably discharged, he re-enlisted due to his loyalty to his country in July 1950 and served until April 1970. This seaman’s bravery would make him in 2014, one of a few Veterans credited with having served in 3 wars; WWII, The Korean War and Vietnam. Crawford’s ratings were A/S, MA, MA2, SD, S2 and SD2. 5 Naval Fighter Ships and 1 Aircraft Carrier were his home during this time. Crawford was the Captain’s Cook making sure all meals were delicious and presented beautifully. Crawford’s retired in April 1970 after serving 23 1/2 years.

He met and married Mildred and to this union 3 daughters and 1 son was born.

On January 1, 2001, niece Jean and great-niece Terri along with great-great nephew Kile, set out for Goose Creek, South Carolina to pick up Uncle Richard! Always ready to go, Uncle got in that car and arrived in Cleveland January 5, to what would be his home for the next 13 years. Terri soon became MOMMY  and Kile became BROTHER. His fun loving, light hearted, lively, sweet soul kept the family laughing. He always loved smiling probably because his smile would light up his face and put a twinkle in his eyes. Uncle was a proud, self assured man who loved his name! If he thought you had any doubt of who he was, he had no problem asking, “Don’t you know my name is CRAWFORD?!”  He knew he was somebody for his signature read “Richard Crawford.”, signifying none before or after. He was in regular attendance along with niece and nephew at Bethany Baptist Church. He immediately became everyone’s Uncle Richard!! When his amputation occurred, it was nearly impossible to go to church, but Rev. Rowan made sure communion was given every first Sunday! Countless cards, calls and prayers were ever present from Bethany’s congregation! Uncle Richard particularly enjoyed going to the rehearsals had by the Praise Team! He’d sit back and sing (as if he were part of the group) and clap just as he would on Sunday mornings (he probably thought he was back in the school choir)!  Uncle Richard was smooth no matter how old or where he was. He loved the ladies and the ladies loved him! He also was a sho’ nuff dancer! He’d glide across the dance floor sitting many down and all the while wearing that million dollar smile! Even when he returned to his seat, his feet couldn’t stay still making him go back on the floor to bust another move, grinning!

Different hurtles came Uncle Richard’s way throughout his 94 years of life. But with dignity and what seemed to be the strength of 10 men, SUPERMAN faced EACH AND EVERY one of them like a champ! His positive attitude was evident when “I don’t have bad days!”, came to be a common response.

Case in point….
August/2009 AKA
May/2013, placed on Hospice – Prognosis, will meet demise within a few months.
1 week later, kicked off hospice, THRIVING
May/2014, placed on Hospice – Prognosis, Dysphasia, will meet demise within a few months. August 8, 2014, kicked off hospice, THRIVING

Uncle took all ills with ease and valor; this show of character had to be inborn through and through. CRAWFORD was one of a kind.

But, Tuesday, September 9th, life would take an unusually different change. IRON MAN suffered a massive stroke and heart attack. But yet again, two days later, he started coming around, responding, smiling, almost back to himself. We concentrated so on the stroke and heart attack that his congestive heart failure was forgotten. Swelling ensued and that would prove to be his final downfall. IRON MAN WOULD HAVE HIS FINAL REST.

This illustrious, noble, never complaining, mold breaking patriarch to the Crawford Clan, set sail completely on Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at 2:10 a. M.

Holding him dear forever are his 4 children, great-niece Terri, great, great nephews Kile and Anthoni (Dion), great-great great nephews and niece, Kile Jr., Kalib and Kailynne, sister-in-law, Olivia Crawford and a host of other relatives and friends.

Public viewing Friday, September 26, 2014 2pm-7pm at funeral home. Funeral service Saturday, September 27, 2014 12noon at Bethany Baptist Church, 1211 E. 105th Street. Family will receive friends at 1130am. Burial will take place on Monday, September 29, 2014 1030am at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road Rittman, OH 44270. **If you plan to go to cemetery please meet at funeral home on Monday at 915am.***