June 3, 1941 Gary William Crawford

Surrounded by our family; our dad, Gary William Crawford, 77 of Ransom Canyon (Lubbock), Texas, was welcomed into heaven by our oldest brother, Gary Lynn Crawford on April 5, 2019, at exactly 7:30 am and ten days apart.William Woodrow and Edna Mae (Borgaes) Crawford welcomed their first born and only son in Kemmerer, Wyoming on June 3, 1941.Dad earned the rank of an Eagle Scout.  Not one day went by where our dad did not exemplify what an Eagle Scout really stands for. He received a Commendation Award from President Dwight D Eisenhower for his efforts of rendering First Aid at a two-vehicle accident.Dad was a star athlete at Kemmerer High School in Basketball, a Football Captain and his 440-meter relay team broke the State Record!Shortly after his high school graduation, dad enlisted in the U.S Army where he proudly served his country as a Radar Specialist in Korea as a SP4 from 1959-1962.  He earned a Good Conduct Medal and was an Expert in Rifle and Carbine Weapons. He was honorably discharged and returned home to Kemmerer.Our parents dated in high school and went to Jr. Prom together.  While dad was home on leave, he and mom rekindled their relationship.  He proposed shortly before leaving back for Korea.  When dad asked moms hand in marriage from her father, Grandpa said, “why would you want to marry her, she can’t even cook”.Dad responded, “I will teach her”.Our parents were married in Kemmerer on October 7, 1962, and for 58 years, no two people’s smile could light up a room like theirs and their unwavering love for each other has hallmarked our family.As told by our dad’s best friend and brother; Jac Horton- The start of dad’s 40 plus year career in the Grocery Industry sprouted because Jac stopped off at the gas station that dad was working at and told him about an unlimited opportunity with Savon Drug in California that he was a part of.  Two months later, our parents loaded up their infant son, Gary Lynn, and “Beanie” the cat along with their possessions and made the trip across the desert.Dad quickly rose through Management Ranks at Savon On and became a Store Manager of the Oxnard, California store.  He continued to exceed expectations and was relocated to Houston to open a new business and win against the competition.  Together with their three sons, they made a beautiful life in Houston.Dad was a pioneer in his thinking, proactive approach and merchandising abilities in the drug/grocery industry.  Dad rose from a Buyer of Non Foods to Director and finally to a Vice President of Non Foods at Randall’s Food Markets and spent 25 years of unwavering  commitment and determination to deliver the 5 P’s in the industry, set new standards and concepts, delivered remarkable programs, promotions, merchandising standards and product execution but most important along the way, dad never forgot about the people behind the scenes, in front of the vendors, his team or people who helped him achieve his success.The last 20 years of his career moved them to Lubbock, Texas for United Supermarkets where he was Business Director, General Merchandise He continued to pioneer new concepts, programs and deliver results.Dad loved the home, friends, and life he and mom had in Ransom Canyon.  He lived for his grandchildren- vacations, taking them hiking through the hills in Ransom Canyon, riding the rides at Joyland or cheering them on in their high school or college successes.He took such pride tending his yard (especially his abundant variety of roses) most of all, making sure he lived up to his title of “St. Francis- keeper of the animals”.  His raccoons and stray animals were always on “payroll” and he always made sure they never missed a meal or were too cold in the winter.  Dad was also a huge supporter and Committee Man for most of his years in Houston with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.Our dad will be forever remembered for his passion for life, trustworthiness, courteous, cheerful, strong character, perseverance and the deepest love and compassion for his sons, Gary Lynn, Eric and Dale and the love of his life, mom, Sherre Lynne.Our dad was more than a father and dad to us all, he was our closest mentor, inspiration and was Best Man at Each of our Weddings.Dad was met in heaven by his son, Gary Lynn exactly 10 days apart, his parents, many extended family, and friends.He will be forever missed and adored by his loving wife, Sherre Lynne; Son Eric and wife Cathy and children; Ericka Berman (Kent and son Jed), Kaleb (Brianna) and Kolton Crawford.  Son Dale and wife Christie and daughters; Shelby (Taylor) and Chelsea (Ryan). Daughter-in-law Jodie Crawford and daughters; Samantha Bentley (Clint; children Wyatt and Nora) Sabrina Galleymore (Jeffrey; children RaeLynn and Laney Mae). Sister, Shelia Dewey, Brother Jac Horton as well as numerous extended family and friends.Our dad was baptized and confirmed as a child at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Kemmerer, Wyoming. He was baptized and confirmed as an adult in the Mormon Church on May 20, 1967. Dad enjoyed attending the Ransom Canyon Chapel during the time they lived in Ransom Canyon.We invite you to Visit with the Family on Sunday evening, April 7^th from 6pm – 8 pm at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers.We will celebrate the Life and Legacy of our dad on Monday evening, April 8^th at 6 pm at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers.