Frank L. Crawford

Frank Lewis Crawford, born on January 22, 1928, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2024, at the age of 96. He was the son of Frank and Rose (Nestor) Crawford of Tallmadge, Ohio. He was preceded in death by sisters Delphine Crawford Sabin (Joseph) Wise and Genevieve Crawford (Harold) Starcher.

Frank attended Kent State University, where he pursued a degree in geology. After he retired from General Tire, he volunteered at Edwin Shaw Rehabilitation Center, was a volunteer tutor at Silver Lake Elementary School, and was employed as a U.S. Census taker for several censuses. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Frank excelled in football (Bulldog #64) and baseball during his time at Akron's Central High School. His passion for physical activity extended well beyond his school years as he embraced water skiing, snow skiing, biking, hiking, tennis, pickleball, and ballroom dancing. He loved art and was a talented watercolorist.

Frank enjoyed the company of his many friends and family members.

He loved making funny movies, creating treasure hunts, skateboarding, and playing games

with us as kids, and no birthday was celebrated without a funny card from him.

A special thank you to Brenda Rose Moen and Gail Rose Schoeppner of the Rose family. Brenda remembers that her father, Dwayne, bought the first boat that Frank built and afterward became lifelong friends. She has fond memories of Frank as the first adult to play board games with them as children. Brenda and her husband Marc drove from Montana and were one of Frank's last visitors.

Frank is survived by his nieces Sheri (Jim) Wurster, Patricia (Tim) Brown, and Tracy (Daniel) Hahe; great-nieces Kara Wurster, Erin (Adam) Greenberg, and Allie (Susie Yi) Hahe; great-nephew Patrick (Ashley) Hahe; and great-great-nephew Simon Penney and great-great-niece Gretchen Penney.

In accordance with Frank’s wishes, no services will be held. Those who knew him are encouraged to honor his memory by reflecting on the joy he brought into their lives.

May Frank’s remarkable life and enduring spirit continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.

To share a memory of Frank or leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.