Crawford, Richard J.; 86, formerly of Lake Orion
A Memorial Mass for Richard James Crawford, 86, was conducted on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Father Sandy McDonald officiated. Dunbar Funeral Home, Northeast Chapel, is assisting the family.
Mr. Crawford passed away Saturday, September 3, 2016. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he was a son of the late Clarence Crawford (formerly Polish family name of Krawczak) and Veronica Crawford.
After graduating from Wolverine School of Trade, he served three years in the US Army with tours in Guam and Japan as a MP. Rick met his beloved wife of 65 years, Freda, shortly after returning home. He worked at Barnes Gibson Raymond Associated Springs before beginning his own business, Action Siding and Roofing, where his two sons worked alongside him.
The last chapter of his employment was the most fulfilling; he and his wife owned and operated Ricks Party Store, a “mom and pop” convenience store on Lake Orion, Michigan for almost 20 years. Mr. Crawford was an active member of The Lake Orion Boat Club and served as a former Commodore and an honorary and was still an honorary member. The memories and friendships he cultivated in Lake Orion were priceless. He was an avid card player, and especially loved Euchre and Shanghai Rummy.
Richard was a “Jack of All Trades” and could be found anytime building or fixing something, even into his twilight years. He loved politics and would eagerly engage in spirited debates.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Freda, are sons, Richard Gary Crawford of Lake Orion, Thomas James (Tina) Crawford of Pinckney, MI; daughter Gail Marie (Don) Harrison of Columbia, SC; grandchildren, Jason (Simone) Kayfesh, Chad Crawford, Dustin Crawford, Biggs Harrison, Richard Harrison, and Abigail Harrison. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Xavier and Ninah Kayfesh. He was preceded in death by a brother, Eugene Kenneth Crawford.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to The Columbiettes, c/o St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.