David Crawford's Obituary
David B. Crawford lived a life full of passion, dedication, and love. From the smallest details—washing cars with a toothbrush—to his grand adventures sailing at Grand Lake, every moment reflected his unique spirit. An artist at heart, he created beautiful works, sandblasting pictures onto glass and exploring watercolor in his early years.
A lifelong water enthusiast, David swam competitively in high school and spent summers as a lifeguard. Whether driving an ice cream truck one summer or serving as a medic in the Air National Guard, he carried his commitment to hard work and service with him throughout his life.
David had a keen eye for style, working at men’s clothiers in Tahlequah and Muskogee during college and later at Orbach’s after marriage. His professional life was in the field of human resources. Holding various positions throughout his career, he became a trusted mentor and advocate for employees, ensuring that workplaces were fair, supportive, and engaging.
His love for the outdoors was evident in the meticulous care he gave to his yard, mowing twice a week—often barefoot in shorts—to keep it pristine. He cherished the warmth of the sun, lying under its rays with sweat dripping, soaking up every golden moment.
His kindness extended to all creatures, from cats and dogs to horses. No matter the weather, he was always out walking his beloved dogs. Most of all, he adored his family. His wife, Ricki, daughters Lori and Dana, son-in-law Chad, and grandchildren Hailey and Jack held the deepest place in his heart. He is preceded in death by his mother, Madlyn, and will be laid to rest in Floral Haven beside his beloved daughter, Lori.
David was a man of simple joys—a deep love for 60s and 70s rock music, a sun-kissed tan like no other, and a hearty appetite for anything but green beans. He left behind a legacy of love, laughter, and an unwavering appreciation for life’s beauty.
In his memory, donations may be made to the Lori Crawford Excellence in Teaching Scholarship Fund* in lieu of flowers.
- Go to www.cfok.org, click on “Donate Now”, located in the upper right corner of the website. After clicking on “Donate Now”, a search engine will appear. Please insert “Lori” into the search engine. Lori Crawford Excellence in Teaching Scholarship Fund will appear. Click Enter, then follow the instructions.
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