DONALD CRAWFORD

Donald Crawford, age 90, of Nelson, OH passed away Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017. Don was born on March 24, 1926 in Cleveland, OH to Harry and Christine Crawford. He graduated from Cleveland’s Collinwood High and immediately enlisted in the army. He was sent overseas to Italy’s Po Valley where he served until the end of WWII. In 1953, he was introduced at a party to June Boenig. The two hit it off immediately and were married October 17 of the same year. They moved to Nelson in 1961 where they raised three children. He worked as the Supervisor of Tool Design at Terex in Hudson until his retirement in 1981. Don loved to travel, touring the US throughout his lifetime, especially trips out West and to visit friends and family in Florida. The entire family took a trip to Washington, DC when he was 80 and he amazed everyone by climbing to the top of the lookout tower at Gettysburg. He was able to walk through the WWII Monument with his two grandchildren and recounted stories of his service for them.

Don spent as much time as possible working outdoors and the thousands of daffodils that come up every spring around their pond are testament to his love of gardening. He enjoyed cooking and was always trying new recipes – his stuffed French toast was a favorite. He was an avid Indians fan and never missed watching a game. He was also an OSU football fan and had travelled with friends to games all around the Big 10. The Crawford’s Memorial Day picnics were legendary and friends loved to visit them in the country. His was a life well-lived.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife June in 2014 after 60 years of marriage. He is survived by his children Donald Paul (Linda Hunt) Crawford of Garrettsville, Patricia (James) Maynard of Sunrise, FL and John (Amy) Crawford of Garrettsville; grandchildren Kaitlyn Maynard and Christian Crawford; nephews Leonard, Steven and Mitchell Zimmer and niece June Zimmer.
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Ohio Veteran’s Home in Sandusky for their dedication and care of Don for the past months.

A Celebration of Life Service with Military Honors will be held Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 12:00 pm at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home in Garrettsville, Pastor Daniel Caruso officiating. Calling hours will be held Monday, Feb. 6 from 5:00-7:00 pm and for one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Burial will be at Park Cemetery in Garrettsville.