Howard Wayne Crawford, 70, of Batson went to be with our Lord on March 17, 2024, after a 2-year battle with cancer. Wayne was born November 24, 1953, in Waco Texas.
He is preceded in death by his stepfather and mother, Elmer Hanks, and Addie Pauline Harlien Hanks; grandson J.P. “Reed” Lupher; sisters Darlene Davenport of Tyler, Joyce Jones of Vidor, Billie Burks of San Antonio, Catherine Rhode of South Carolina; brothers I.D. Lawrence of Sterling City, Rusty Crawford of Mississippi; grandparents Rufus Walter and Minnie May (Raye) Harlien of Corpus Christi.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years Laura McCreight Crawford, daughter Kelly Crawford Lupher and husband Jake, and grandson Jace “Rooster” Lupher, along with loving in-laws Weldon and Renee McCreight, Jo Beth Dowdell, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Wayne graduated from West Hardin High School, attended Lamar College, and later went to work for Goodyear Chemical where he retired in 2019 after 46 years of service. He started out in the labor gang and worked his way up to supervisory positions. Wayne enjoyed anything to do with working with wood. He and his wife built and remodeled 6 homes during their 42 years together. His last home in Batson was a gut job and a labor of love by many. Thanks to good neighbors Harvey and Denee, family members Jake and Weldon and others who helped him whenever he needed them. He has built many a set of kitchen cabinets for family and friends. It was a God given talent. His latest toy he was proud to learn to use was his CNC. He was so thankful for his computer minded nephew, Hunter, to help him work on many programs and projects with this new toy. They spent lots of time carving all types of things on cutting boards, keepsake boxes, and donated many finished projects to charity. He enjoyed having his grandson, Jace (Rooster) at his home every chance he could get. Loved riding him on tractors, golf carts, and anything that had wheels. Their favorite saying was “Best Buds Til the End.” He spent lots of fun times with friends and family every year camping and boating at Rocky Creek, Lake Sommerville. He especially enjoyed cutting up with his brother-in-law, Weldon McCreight, and good friend Chris Shine. When he first started camping and boating, the first boat was a 19 ft Mariah. Of course, this length of boat beat you up on the windy waters at the lake. So finally, his wife told him to get something we could stand to ride in, ha-ha. He got a 29 ft Formula that was smooth and loud. He would say “CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW.” He was pure country, a happy soul and always the entertainer. He was baptized and gave his life to the Lord in October 2022. This touched his soul, gave him peace, confirmed his faith in God and belief in Heaven. He has left a precious and loving memory for us to cherish. His saying was “FLY IT TIL IT CRASHES.” Thanks go out to family and friends for all the prayers and support.
Serving the family as pallbearers are Jake Lupher, Weldon McCreight, Derek McCreight, Van Steele, Chris Shine, and Harvey Taylor. Honorary pallbearers are Jace “Rooster” Lupher, Hunter Dowdell, and Doug Jones.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Calvary Tabernacle, Batson, Texas. Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 am on Friday, March 22, 2024, officiated by Tolbert Hudspeth at Calvary Tabernacle, Batson, Texas. Interment to follow at Guedry Cemetery, Batson, Texas. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Calvary Tabernacle Ministries in Batson, Texas in memory of Howard Wayne Crawford.