Arnett W. Crawford

Arnett W. Crawford. age 83, of 125 Wood Street in Buckhannon, formerly of Las Cruces, New Mexico, passed away Sunday, March 21, 2010. He was born in Selbyville, WV, July 19, 1926, a son of the late Reverend Roy and Leta Crawford. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Edward Crawford of Pittsburgh, PA; Richard Crawford of Lanham, MD; three sisters, Gulya Page of Pittsburgh, PA; Lola Hawkins of French Creek, WV; and Lena Dean of Huntington, WV, and his wife Rosie. He is survived by one daughter, Anna Belle Shumaker, one son, Jimmie Crawford, both of Ardmore, AL; one brother, Arthur Crawford of Huntsville, AL; and one sister, Anna Belle Johnson of Pearisburg, VA. Arnett spent over 22 years in service to his country, in the Army from 1944 to 1967. He served in Germany, Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, Formosa, and various stateside assignments. A Communications Specialist, he was responsible to set up communication systems in war zones and in many stateside assignments he enjoyed, such as for the Inauguration of President Dwight Eisenhower. His name can be found on the honor roll of Upshur Country servicemen at the memorial at Rock Cave, WV. Following retirement from the Army, he made his home in Las Cruces, New Mexico where he lived with his beloved wife "Rosie," children Anna Belle and Jimmy, and made a 30 year career with the New Mexico University where he managed the University Print Shop. For all the years he lived in New Mexico he loved to come back to West Virginia each year for the Crawford family reunion. In March 2001, following the death of his wife he moved back to Upshur County, WV where he could be close to his roots. He quickly found his way into the hearts and lives of nieces and nephews, children of his sister Lola. These Upshur County family members also survive him: Norman Hawkins and wife AnnaBell; Denver Hawkins and wife Charlotte; Betty Roy; Patty Johnston and husband Roger; Bonnie Woody; Connie Roth and husband Ron; and numerous grand nieces and nephews. Arnett loved his family and one of his greatest joys was to help plan the annual Crawford family reunion. In lieu of the traditional funeral service at this time, a family memorial service will be planned for the 2010 family reunion to be held in August. Arnett requested his remains be cremated and his ashes sent back to New Mexico where they will be interred in the military cemetery on the grounds of Ft. Bliss, Texas, with those of his wife Rosie. A full military service will be conducted for the burial.

Arnett W. Crawford

July 19, 1926 - March 21, 2010