Don Crawford

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Donald Ray Crawford, age 90, of Albion, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, November 14, 2024.  Don was born on June 20, 1934, in Bridgeport, Illinois to Merrill Crawford and Anna (Thompson) Crawford. He graduated from New Albany High School in 1953.  He joined the United States Air Force on October 19, 1954, and served until October 18,1958. While in the service he was a Radio Intercept Operator.  He went to Purdue to get a degree as a computer programmer. After graduation he worked in the programming department where he met Karen (North), the love of his life. They got married on June 19, 1965, at West Lafayette. Don worked as a Systems Analyst with GTE until retiring. He was the hardest worker ever and loved his family and God fiercely.  Don was very passionate about the Avilla Food Pantry.  He also loved gardening, horses and anything his grandchildren were doing.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years and two daughters Lee (John) Wicker of Kendallville and Diana (John) Halderman of Wawaka. 

13 grandchildren: Hailey Crawford of Noblesville; Keith Wilson of Kendallville; Jessica (Ryan) Slone of Auburn; Kaihla (Braden) Hines of Huntertown; Shawn (Whitney) Wilson of Wawaka; Collin (Liam) Wilson of Nashville, Tennessee; Anissa (Nate) Mueller of Huntertown; Anna (Zach) Brazel of LaOtto; Autumn (Griffin) Parks of Albion; Faith Nakayima Wicker of Kendallville; Kyle (Tessa) Halderman of Albion; Devon (Jordan) Halderman of Auburn; and Logan (Kate) Halderman of Paint Bank, Virginia.

15 great grandchildren: Elly Cossairt, Charlie Streb, Gentry Wilson, Bennett Mueller, River Hines, Cree Wilson, Wyatt Halderman, Luke Halderman, Avery Halderman, Mila Hines, Navy Parks, Grace Halderman, Mallen and Millie Brazel and Isla Parks.

Close family and friends Ze, AJ, Elysia and Alani Heureuse; Chloe, Deirdre, Brian, Fiona Schoonover; Jennepher Nansamba; caretaker, Tela Nathela Stephens Williamson and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Scott Crawford in 2001; two brothers, and two sisters. 

A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Military honors will be held at 5:00 PM. 
Preferred memorials are to Avilla Food Pantry.

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