Louise Crawford

Louise Middleton Crawford, 87, of Abilene, crossed over the river into the comforting arms of the Lord on May 31, 2013. She was born January 29, 1926, on the family farm in Nugent, Texas, to John and Lena Middleton. After graduating from high school, she worked as a telephone operator in Abilene, where she met Harry Dale Crawford on a blind date, a young army medic stationed at Camp Barkeley. They were married January 19, 1946, after his return from serving in The Phillippines during World War II. They were blessed with two sons during their marriage.

During her husband’s career with White’s Auto Stores, they lived in Abilene, Odessa, San Antonio, Tampa, Florida, Macon, Georgia, and finally Wichita Falls, where they survived the historic tornado of 1979. Her beloved husband departed this life in 1988. She moved to Abilene in 2003.

Louise was a loving and caring wife, mother, and homemaker, who enjoyed cooking for her sons. She was a member at Southern Hills Church of Christ. Throughout her life, she was active at church teaching children’s classes and helping in a variety of ways as needs occurred. She loved being with people and enjoyed the time with extended family at holidays and special occasions.

In addition to her husband, Louise was preceded in death by her parents, her younger sister Zona Belle Wynne, and her younger brother JT Middleton. She is survived by her sons, Ron Crawford and wife Kay and Dale Crawford and wife Colleen, grandchildren Angela Crawford, Jenalie Crawford Raphelt and husband Brad, Keri Crawford, Clint Crawford and wife Bailie, Erin Crawford Bodeker and husband Travis, Jennifer Crawford, and Traci Crawford, great-grandchildren Carley Raphelt and Trace Raphelt, a brother Alton Middleton, and a sister Allene Scott, and various nieces, nephews, and relatives by marriage.

We would like to thank Drs. David Longley, Sam Brinkman, Sandra Hazelip, Allen McCorkle and the staff at Coronado Nursing Center, Hendrick Medical Center, and Hendrick Hospice Care for their professional and compassionate care over the past few years.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that any memorials be given to Fosters Children’s Home in Stephenville, Texas, Tipton Children Home in Tipton, Oklahoma, or Hendricks Hospices Care.
Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.

Family visitation will be from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, Sunday June 2, 2013 at Piersall-Benton Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, June 3rd at the funeral home and a graveside service will be held in Wichita Falls, Texas at Crestview Memorial Park on Wednesday June 5, 2013 at 1:00pm.