John Crawford

John Crawford, 91 years old from Newton, passed away in Des Moines, Iowa at the VA on December 23rd. John was born in Winterset, Iowa on February 18th 1934 to Ross and Mary Crawford. He grew up on a farm in Earlham, Iowa.

He was a 1953 graduate at Earlham High School. John served in the US Army.

John moved to Newton and started a job at the Maytag Company and worked in the paint department for 39 years. Also during this time, John met the love of his life, Marilyn Harms, they were married on January 2nd 1960. To this union they were blessed with their 2 kids, Lori and Chris.

John had lived for many years in Newton before moving to Des Moines in 2021. He lived there with his son Chris. John was very active in many different Organizations over the years, he was a founding member of HAND, where they took donations and delivered items to people in need. He was also on the board at Tri County Credit Union and was UAW 997 Vice President for several years. He also was a member at the Izaak Walton League and the Moose. In later years John volunteered at the ARL in Newton.

John took pride in his kids, Lori and Chris, and niece and nephew John and Debbie. Also his dogs, Hershey and Precious. John loved old cars and kept a list of all the ones he owned over the years including a 1970 Volkswagen and a 1952 Studebaker, he also loved taking care of his lawn and his flowers.

John was preceded in death by his parents Ross and Mary Crawford. His wife Marilyn in 2007 and his sister Phyllis Crawford in 2022. Also his Brother and Sister in Law, Paul and Carolyn Casper.

Those left to honor Johns memory are his daughter, Lori (James) Lukefahr of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Chris Crawford of Des Moines Iowa. Nephew John (Brenda) Casper of Pella IA, and his Niece Debbie (Kenny) Schwarz of Newton. Also great nephew Rowdy (Kelley) Meyer and great niece Jenny Newel. And several great great nieces and a nephew. Also a cousin Carol Curry from Illinois.

Cards or Memorials can be sent to Chris Crawford at 3100 Grand Avenue 41, Des Moines, IA 50312 or Debbie Schwarz at 807 S. 14th Ave. W. Newton, IA 50208. Chris plans on donating to the ARL in Des Moines, IA.

There will be a private family burial at a later date, no other services are planned.