CHARLES MERVYN CRAWFORD

CHARLES CRAWFORD Obituary

March 27, 1933 - December 26, 2008
Charles M. Crawford passed away December 26, 2008, at his home from acute leukemia. He was born at home on the family farm near Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, to George Crawford and Anna Elizabeth (Fleming) Crawford. He was baptized and later confirmed at Sallaghy Parish Church of the Church of Ireland. After attending primary school he did his secondary schoolwork at Portora Royal School in Enniskillen. Charles came to the United States in August, 1953, to prepare for the ministry, graduating May 27, 1958. The next day he married Paula Ruth Swinehart; together they set out on a life of Christian ministry, as he pastored churches in Ohio; Toronto, Canada; West Virginia; and Colorado; and served for a time on the faculty and administration of a Colorado Springs Bible College. They were blessed with two sons, Paul Fleming and Daniel Charles, who have greatly enriched their lives. After retiring from active ministry, Charles owned and operated Crawford Painting, Inc., all the while continuing to serve in various Christian ministries. In recent years, he conducted Sunday morning worship services at Sunridge Retirement Center, and Sunday evening Bible studies at Calvary Church, both in Colorado Springs. He was a member of Grace Anglican Church and greatly enjoyed participating in Grace Prayers and the Men's Bible Study. Survivors include his wife, Paula; four brothers: William Edward (Sandra), George Hubert (Florence), Alan (Marlyn), and John Maurice (Myrtle); two sisters: Ruby Trotter and Anna Margaret (Jim) Dixon; his son Paul (Ardella), son Daniel (Kimberly), grandson Andrew Samuel, granddaughter Christiana Ruth, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother-in-law, George Trotter. Charles Crawford was a gentle and compassionate man whose tenderness was tempered by an immense strength of character, a man who let himself be used by Christ and therefore touched very many people for good. He was a fine, loving husband and truly wonderful father. He set a shining example for us all to follow, and although Heaven may rejoice at his arrival, Earth is not better for his loss. Visitation on Friday, January 2, 5-7 PM at Grace Anglican Church, 601 N. Tejon, Colorado Springs. Funeral service on Saturday, January 3, 11:00 AM, also at Grace Anglican Church. Burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial service on Sunday, January 4, 2:30 PM, by Calvary Church at 1st Wesleyan Church, 502 North Walnut Street. Memorial donations may be made to Grace Church & St. Stephen's (Legal Defense Fund).

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Published by The Gazette from Dec. 31, 2008 to Jan. 1, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for CHARLES CRAWFORD

9 Entries

Elise Cadwell

January 4, 2009

I am so grateful to have been blessed by the ministry and life of Charles. Truly he was a gentleman who was strong in character and faithfulness. To be in his presence was to enjoy a bit of Irish humor, some chuckles, and to sense sincere love and kind regard from him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Rest in the confidence that Christ has died, Christ has risen, and Christ will come again! You will be reunited in bodies that no longer suffer disease and sorrow. That is a hope worth waiting for.

Carol Allison

January 3, 2009

Dear Paula,
I was so sorry to hear of the illness and death of your husband. This can't be an easy time for you and your family. You are in my prayers.

Elaine Bump

January 2, 2009

Dear Paula, Paul, Ardella, Dan, & Kimberly;
We have been very saddened by the loss of this husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. He has touched so very, very many lives. I'm proud to say that he was my pastor and school principal. My husband is pleased to say that Charles was his favorite dean and teacher in college. We surely do not begin to understand why Charles was taken, but our confidence is in the One "Who doeth all things well." May God bring comfort to you in these dark hours. In Christian love,
Durwin and Elaine Bump

Phil & Patty Lawson

January 2, 2009

A beautiful and edifying obituary remembrance. May he rest in peace and may Our Lord give you all comfort during this difficult time.
In Christ Our Savior,

Wayne and Esther Wehrmann

January 2, 2009

Dear Paula and family,
There is no way to express what the life and testimony of Charles has meant to us. He was a godly and gracious gentleman, always kind and cheerful and enjoying life each day. We miss him and grieve with all of you, at the same time knowing he is rejoicing in heaven. May God be your strength and comfort in these difficult days.

Verne & Olive Asbury

January 1, 2009

Dear Paula and family,
We grieve with you over the loss of a wonderful, kind gentleman, who made an impact on both of us. He was definitely a favorite teacher--he knew his English history WELL! He seemed to be so alive and well the last time we saw him, which was in June of '07. How quickly life can change! We do send you our love and prayers--all of you--during this time of grief. We do know that God does all things well, but still we wonder "Why?". May you be especially upheld by those Everlasting Arms.
Lovingly,

Lois and Larry Miller

December 31, 2008

We share the grief of your loss. We will miss Bro. Charles too. He was always pleasant and was such a gentleman.

Dean and Linda Skaret

December 31, 2008

Charles was a great man. My parents, Wayne and Erline Skaret, were so appreciative of his love and compassion for them at Sundridge.
Charles will be sorely missed.
God bless and keep you,

Dean and Linda Skaret

Joe & Jean Dixon

December 31, 2008

Paula & family,

Our love and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. We thought so much of Charles and enjoyed hearing him preach a few times. May God be with you during this time.

Joe & Jean Dixon

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