John Leon Crawford

Thursday, February 28, 1946 ---- Sunday, January 20, 2013

Johnie Leon (John) Crawford, longtime resident of Owasso, passed away Sunday, January 20, 2013 at the age of 66. John was born February 28, 1946 in Wewoka, OK to Roy Lee and Billie Jo (House) Crawford. He was raised by his step-father Wesley Ross, whom he always considered his daddy. John was raised in Sallisaw where he attended school and graduated Sallisaw High School. On October 12, 1968, he and Betty Loux were united in marriage. To this union, two children were born. Following their marriage, they made their home in Sallisaw before moving to Tulsa, then to Owasso in 1977. John was a member of the Owasso Masonic Lodge #545 and the Tulsa Akdar Shrine. At the time of his retirement, he was a safety manager for Ingersoll Rand.  Those that survive include his wife – Betty of the home; children – John W. Crawford and wife Michelle of Broken Arrow and Amy Victory and husband Roy of Owasso. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Mitchell Brown, Aidan and Lauren Victory; as well as siblings Jerry Crawford, Joe Ross, Walter Ross, Ellen Stovall, David Ross and Susan Howard, all of Sallisaw, OK. John was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ricky Ross. John enjoyed restoring old cars, talking about cars, and collecting car parts. He also enjoyed smoking bologna, whittling, and spending time with friends and family, including his best friend of 55 years, Glen Whitworth of Tulsa. The light of his life was his grandchildren. He was the best Paw a kid could ask for. Even as his health was failing he did everything he could to show love to his grandchildren, including watching cartoons with them every afternoon while they were perched on his lap. He was very proud that his oldest grandson, Mitchell, is joining the Marines this year. John was a loyal friend and brother who was famous for telling jokes and stories. One had to know John a long time before they ever heard the same story twice. Memorial services for John will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, January 23, 2013 in the Chapel of Mowery Funeral Service with Greg Taylor officiating. Masonic rites will be accorded by the Owasso Masonic Lodge. The family has requested that those who would like to honor John’s memory may do so by contributing to: Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com