Richard Albert Crawford

Richard Albert Crawford, lifelong Hominy resident, passed away on Friday, April 29, 2005 at his home near Hominy at the age of seventy-six years, four months and six days.

Richard was born on Decmember 23, 1928 in Hominy, Oklahoma. He was the son of Bessie Ann Rusk West and Aaron Earl Crawford. He was raised an received his early education in Hominy. He then attended the Ponca Military Academy in Ponca City where he graduated from high school in 1946. He also attended the Missouri Military Academy for a short time and then attended Oklahoma A&M where he studied agriculture.

Upon completion of his educaiton, he entered into the service of his country in the United States Army. He served nearly five years during his initial enlistement and was awarded the National Defense Medal and the Army Occupation Medal (Germany). After receiving an honorably discharge in August 1954, Richard immediately reenlisted and served three additional years, serving in the Korean Conflict.

Upon completion of his military duty, Richard returned to Hominy in 1957. Throughout his career, Richard has worked in various industries and jobs. For many years, Richard was employed as a supervisor for the Sequoyah Carpet Mill in Pawhuska. Later, he worked in a Hominy plant that made outboard motors for boats.

Richard was a member of the First Prebyterian Church in Hominy, where he was extremely active. He was also a charter member of the American Legion Post 198 in Pawhuska. He was proud of his military service as well as his Native American Heritage in the Osage/Souix tribes. Richard had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He like to play cards, travel, visit friends and to eat out. He was often seen in the early 1980's at Ward's Restaurant, where he had many friends and for the past many years been a frequent visitor at the Hickory House in Cleveland. His traveled to many places during his lifetime and especially enjoyed South Dakota and Germany, however, Richard's favorite place was Hominy.

Richard's love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ was seen in his daily walk and he will be remembered for his strong faith. That love was also exhibited in his relationship with his two daughters and their families. He was a gentle, loving and courteous man that will be missed by all his family and friends.

Richard is survived by his two daughters, Deborah F. Tiger of Hominy, Oklahoma and Lura A. Thornton of Pawhuska, Oklahoma; four grandsons, Joe Thornton of Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, Richard J. Harris of Beverly, Massachusetts, Dan Thornton of Pawhuska, Oklahoma and Ron Harris of Hominy, Oklahoma; two great-grandsons, R. E. Harris and Quenton Harris, both of Hominy, Oklahoma; and a step-sister, Berniece Cheek of Poplar Grove, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his father, Aaron Earl Crawford and his mother, Bessie Ann Rusk West.

Rosary service will be held at 8:00 p.m, Monday, May 2, 2005 at his home near Hominy. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, May 3, 2005 at the First Presbyterian Church in Hominy with Kathryn Ramsay and Chaplain Joseph C. Alsay officiating. Burial will be at the A. J. Powell Memorial Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home.

Visit an online obituary and guestbook for Richard Albert Crawford at www.chapman-black.com.