Tom Crawford

Sad to announce that Tom Crawford (Retired Tech Sgt, and then retired as director Quality Assurance, CSPO) passed away Saturday, 7/17/11 after a long battle with diabetes and related complications. He will be interred at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St Louis, MO on Thursday, 7/21/2011. From the switch room to the school house, to the halls of the CSPO Tom was a driving force in Air Force Telecommunications. Anyone who knew Tom knows that he's already looking down to make sure we hold true to the task! RIP Tommie, you will be greatly missed!

Thomas E. Crawford Sr. (1939 - 2011)


Thomas E. Crawford Sr., 71, of Highland, Ill., born Dec. 17, 1939, in Granite City, Ill., died on at 3:10 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2011, at Relais Bonne Eau in Edwardsville, Ill.

Mr. Crawford was a graduate of Granite City High School. He received his bachelor degree while serving with the U.S. Air Force from Feb. 4, 1958 through May 31, 1978, He received the Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Service Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal. He retired as Technical Sergeant from the Air Force. His second career was with Civil Service and then he was co-owner and founder of CLR - a communications company - which he sold 10 years later in 2011. Living in Highland since 1990, he also was a salesman for Brockland Pontiac in St. Louis, Mo.

Tom was a world traveler who touched many lives. He supported the Shriners Children's Hospital by riding his three wheeler in parades. Some of his favorite things were turkey shoots, horseback riding and story telling.

Anyone who knew Tom knew he was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. His friendship was treasured by all.

He was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4183, Scott AFB, Ill., Triple Lodge No. 835, Granite City, Ill., the Shriners Rolling Nobles, AAONOMS, (Shriners), American Legion Post No. 0665, Amvets Post Il 51, Venice Social Club, Pontoon Beach, Ill., and was a former member of Bond-Madison County Water Department and the Alton Eagles No. 254.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, David "Buzzy" and Lessie, nee Gould, Crawford; first wife, Roberta Lee, nee Brokaw, Crawford, whom he married Dec. 31, 1957, and who died May 2, 2000; and step brother and step sisters, William Murray, Ida Mae Murray and Dorothy Lancaster.

Surviving are his wife, Terry L., nee Barger, McElligott Crawford of St. Charles, Mo.; children, Faith E. (Charles) Bonfanti of Oceanside, Calif., Mary Stephanie (Steven) Scheller of Burkburnett, Texas, Anna L. (Mark) Roseman of Granite City, Ill., and Thomas E. (Renee) Crawford Jr., of McCall, Idaho; stepchildren, Laura A. McElligott of St. Charles, Mo., Joshua P. (Tonya) McElligott of Canyon Lake Texas and Shelly M. (Yasser) Al-Zadjali of Muscat, Oman; grandchildren, Charles J. Bonfanti, Robert E. (April) Banfanti, Ariene M. (Daniel) Naber, Shawn D. Cheney, Ashley N. Roseman, and Carson E. Crawford; step grandchildren, Wesley E. (LaTrisha) Schelter, Steven B. Schelter, Brianna L. Russell, Emaan Al-Zadjali, Amaar Al-Zadjali, Brianna Berry, Ayanna Berry, Trevon Berry, and MacKenzie McElligott; great-grandchildren, Parker J. Bonfanti, Olivia P. Bonfanti and Lillian M. Naber ; and step great-grandchildren, Clayton M. Schelter and Adiliene P. Schelter.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, Relais Bonne Eau, Edwardsville, Ill., or a charity of the donor's choice. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.spengel-boulanger.com.

Funeral: A chapel service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2011, at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.

SPENGEL-BOULANGER FUNERAL HOME, Highland, Ill.
Published in Belleville News-Democrat from July 19 to July 20, 2011

Had the pleasure of working for Tom on my last assignment before I retired. He got me with the new guy "What are you doing this weekend?" and spent a day "on the farm" Still like telling that story. He was a great guy and a boss that took care of the troops. He will be missed by all that knew him.

I also had the pleasure of working with Tom Crawford and Msgt Downey @ the CSPO, before I separated in 94. I wish the best of wishes & luck to his family.

I will always remember the two things Tom Crawford taught me. Always know where the bear shits in the buckwheat and always stay out of the tall grass when the elephants are mating. RIP Tom!