CRAWFORD, William E. (1905-1998)

CRAWFORD

Posted By: Mary E Boyer (email)
Date: 2/21/2007 at 05:25:26

CRAWFORD, William Ellis (1905 - 1998)

William CRAWFORD

William Ellis CRAWFORD, 92, of Gig Harbor, Wash., and formerly of Traer died Thursday, Feb. 19, 1998, in Gig Harbor following an extended illness.

A private graveside service will be held Wednesday, May 6, 1998, at Buckingham Cemetery, rural Traer with the Rev. Rick Vesely officiating. The body was cremated.

William Ellis CRAWFORD was born Feb. 21, 1905, on a farm south of Traer, the son of John and Elizabeth “Lizzy” (GREEN) CRAWFORD. As a young boy William moved to Texas with his family and later returned to Traer where he graduated from Traer High School in the Class of 1923.

He attended college at Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. On April 18, 1930, he married Violet Marian GLOSSER. Violet and William made their home in Wellsburg, where he was Superintendent of Schools.

In 1937 they moved to California along with William’s brother, Robert. William continued his graduate studies at the University of Southern California graduating in 1939.

He spent the rest of his teaching years in Redondo Beach, Calif., at the high school, retiring in 1961. His wife, Violet, died June 8, 1977.

William was an avocado rancher in Vista, Calif., until 1984 when he “retired” a second time. In 1994 he moved to Gig Harbor to be near his daughter, Carol and her husband, Bruce MURDOCK.

His companion and faithful friend for 20 years, Hildy Preston, lives in Vista, Calif.

William was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Traer; a member of the Vista Rotary Club, Calvo Association, California State Teachers Association and Boys Club of Vista, Calif.

Preceding him in death in addition to his parents and wife were two sisters, Marion CRAWFORD and Pearle LEGG and two brothers, Ralph CRAWFORD and Wendell CRAWFORD.

Surviving are his daughter, Carol Ann MURDOCK of Gig Harbor, Wash.; one sister Eva STAVELEY of Traer; one brother, Dr. Robert CRAWFORD of Costa Mesa, Calif.; one granddaughter; one great-granddaughter; and one great-grandson.

Memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Church, Traer, IA 50675.

Transcribed for Tama County by Mary E Boyer (of no relation)