Theodore Crawford

Theodore W. Crawford

Age 81 of Diamond, formerly of Westmont, Illinois, passed away Saturday June 15, 2019 at Park Pointe Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Morris, Illinois.

Born July 12, 1937 in Danville, Illinois, Theodore Wendell was a son of Theodore and Helene (Taylor) Crawford. He was raised and educated in Danville, and at the age of 18 proudly entered the United States Army. Theodore began his basic training in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, and complete advanced infantry training in Tacoma, Washington, before becoming stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. It was here that he was a rifleman and ski trooper prior to his honorable discharge on June 30, 1959. Six months after returning home to Danville, Theodore reenlisted with the Army and went on to serve in Chicago until being honorably discharged from Ft. Sheridan in June of 1962.

Theodore worked as a truck driver his entire life, and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 705. He drove for 21 years with Liberty Trucking in Chicago, and then later for ABF Trucking, from where he retired in the late 1990’s.

In addition to being a truck driver, Theodore owned and piloted his own 1946 Taylorcraft airplane, and was a member of the E.A.A. Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 15. He was a member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Coal City, and belonged to the Wilmington Recreation Club since 1969. It was here where he loved to spend time outdoors fishing and camping with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years: Ellen Crawford (nee Lucas) of Diamond; three children: Theodore J. (Colleen) Crawford and Theresa Crawford, both of Westmont, and Mary Ellen (Gregory) Cotten of Downers Grove; seven grandchildren: Emily (Arnoux) Abraham of Indonesia, Ted (Stephanie) Crawford of Lombard, Zachary Crawford of Lansing, Illinois, Molly (Jeremy) Riley of Hebron, Indiana, Broderick Cotten of Downers Grove, Brighid (Matthew) Wiese of Georgetown, Illinois, and Michelle Cotten of Downers Grove; eight great grandchildren: Lila, Elena, Jacqueline, T.J., Makenzie, Veronica, Ryker and Alistaire; two sisters: Karen (Waldo) Kamman of Indianapolis, Indiana and Charlotte Volkel of Greenwood, Indiana; two brothers-in-law: Joseph (Mary Alice) Lucas of Westmont and James (Sandra) Lucas of Clarendon Hills; three sisters-in-law: Anne Lucas of LaGrange, Judith LaCoste of South Elgin, and Laura (John) Klinge of Woodridge; as well as many cousins and numerous nieces and nephews.

Theodore was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter: Kathleen Crawford in 1974; two brothers: Gene (Carol) Dill and Dr. Charles (Mary Rose) Dill; and one brother-in-law: Martin Lucas.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Tuesday June 18, 2019 at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway Street (one block north of Illinois Route 113), in Coal City between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services will follow Wednesday morning, June 19, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 215 South Kankakee Street in Coal City. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated with Reverend Robert Noesen presiding.

A memorial luncheon in the Assumption Parish Berst Center will be held at the conclusion of the Mass, and burial will be in Clarendon Hills Cemetery in Darien following the luncheon.

Pallbearers will be: Theodore J. Crawford, Ted Crawford, Zachary Crawford, Broderick Cotten, Michelle Cotten, and Jeremy Riley.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Theodore’s memory to The Assumption Catholic Church Building Fund, 195 S. Kankakee St., Coal City, IL 60416 or to Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Waterstone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book, upload photographs, or share Theodore’s memorial page online by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com/notices/Theodore-Crawford

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City (815) 634-2125.