Duane Crawford

Duane Crawford, 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Utopia, Texas on July 22, 2018. Known to his beloved family as Daddy, Granddaddy and Great-Granddaddy. Duane lived in Utopia for 31 years. Born to the late Burney and Avis Crawford on March 2, 1932, Duane was the first of four children. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jo Dawson Crawford, brother, Leon Crawford and younger brother, Kenny Crawford. He is survived by his four children and their spouses, 12 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and his sister, Ora Dell McMahon of Horseshoe Bay, Texas.
Duane was born in Oberlin, Kanas and moved with his family to Texas. In 1947 he met the love of his life, Betty Jo Dawson in Kingsville, Texas. They were married in 1950 and were blessed with four children, Kathy Harrison (David), Burney Crawford (Joyce), Margaret Thompson (Mike) and LaVerne Gerwick (Mike).
His large family was the greatest joy of his life. He treasured every picture of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took great care to save each one on his phone and in his home. In recent years, he rejoiced with the birth of every new great-grandchild and looked forward to holding each baby.
Duane lived and worked in Kingsville, Texas for 37 years before he and Betty retired to Utopia in 1987. He was an avid outdoorsman and gun collector who enjoyed hunting and shooting skeet. He also loved storytelling and had a knack for remembering every detail, so he could share them when family was gathered. Music played a big part in his life, Jim Reeves, Elvis and many of the classic musicians of his day could be heard playing throughout his home daily.
He loved the Hill Country, the Sabinal River and wildlife. He continued to feed the deer and hummingbirds from his front door until his last day. He often sent pictures of the wildlife to his family. He found great peace in watching God's creation from his front porch. Duane had a deep love for God's Word and faithfully spent every morning outside having his Bible reading and coffee time. His family takes great peace in knowing he's now with the God he talked to every day.
The family will celebrate his life with a private riverside service in Utopia. Donations may be made in his honor to the Diabetes Association and The First Baptist Church in Utopia.
Please remember to pray for the family as they grieve the loss of their father, grandfather and great-grandfather and brother.