Leo James Crawford
Leo James Crawford was born March 25,
1933, to John and Marie (Larcum) Crawford
in Medina, NY. He was raised by his
grandparents, James and Mary Crawford in
Canada. Leo served in the US Navy from
1950-1954, on the Aircraft Carrier USS
Oriskany.
Leo married Florence Stewart in 1955 and
they lived in Sanborn, NY, and Laurel, MD,
where Leo operated an auto repair and
dealership. They had four children; Deborah,
Edwin, Theresa, and Cynthia. In 1976, Leo moved to Philip, SD, where
he worked as a ranch hand, mechanic, and operated Leo's auto repair.
Leo later moved to Riverside, CA, to be near his daughter, Cynthia, and
his grandchildren before moving back to SD in 2000.
Leo, 82, Black Hawk, died Friday, March 27, 2015, at Ft. Meade VA
Hospital.
Leo is survived by two daughters, Deborah (Stephen) Lysczek, Vestal,
NY, and Cynthia (James) Hoag, Black Hawk, SD; daughter-in-law, Cindy
Crawford, New Windsor, MD; 9 grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren, Anthony (Kachina, Kat) Hoag and their children, Callum
and Juniper, Redlands, CA, Bradley (DeShayne) Hoag, Rapid City,
Shelly (Sean) Strominger, and their children; Madelyn, Natalie, Emily,
and Christopher, Columbia, MD, Cynthia (Matthew) Szeliga and their
children, Evelyn and Nathan, Vestal, NY, Amanda (Robert) Engle,
Albany, NY, Justin Crawford, New Windsor, MD, Elizabeth Santiago
and Michael Dyer, Gordonsville, VA, and their children, Racheal, Raven,
Matthew, and Devin, Christopher (Heather) Bellus, Lewisville, TX, and
their children, Stephen and Christopher Jr, and
Kimberly Bellus, Denton, TX, and her daughter,
Isabel.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John
and Marie Crawford; sister, Theresa Nugent;
brother-in-law, Jim Nugent; daughter, Theresa
Bellus; son-in-law, John Bellus; son, Edwin (Ed)
Crawford; and one great-grandchild, Claire
Szeliga.
Condolences may be sent to the family at
www.kinkadefunerals.com.
In Loving Memory Of
Leo James Crawford
1933 ~ 2015
Memories Build a Special Bridge
By Emily Matthews
Our memories build a special bridge when loved ones have to part
To help us feel we’re with them still and soothe a grieving heart.
Our memories span the years we shared, reserving ties that bind,
They build a special bridge of love and bring us peace of mind.
In Loving Memory Of
Leo James Crawford
Born
March 25, 1933
Medina, New York
Died
March 27, 2015
Fort Meade, South Dakota
Graveside Service
Wednesday, April 1, 2015, at 11:00 a.m.
Black Hills National Cemetery
Do not stand by my grave and weep:
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush of
quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
Officiant
Father Steve Biegler
Military Honors
Sturgis Veteran's Honor Guard
Inurnment
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota