04/24/2019
John Thomas Crawford, age 83, of Knoxville, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at the Hospice Comfort House in Pella.
John was born in rural Marion County, Iowa on September 17, 1935, the son of Howard and Osa “Mae” (Heck) Crawford. He grew up on a farm and attended country school, Melcher Dallas School, and was a graduate of Knoxville High School, Class of 1954.
John met Imogene Gail Gee at a Valentine’s Eve skating party and sock dance in February 1956. They were united in marriage on November 18, 1956. John and Imogene were blessed with four children, Tim, Jeff, Dan, and Heather.
John worked as a farmhand for a few years at the beginning of their marriage, and then at a service station for 10 years. In 1971, John and Imogene purchased their own service station, Crawford’s Skelly. He was a proud business owner for 30 years and retired on February 28, 2002.
John served as a board member at the Pine Knoll’s Country Club for several years, was a member of the Kiwanis, and a former Vice President of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce. He was also a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church.
John loved singing and was a devoted member of the church choir. He was a member of the gospel group “The Ambassador’s”. They sang at different churches and events all around the state of Iowa. He also enjoyed playing golf and pool. John loved his family and will be missed by them all.
John’s wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church in Knoxville. Following service, coffee and cookies will be served at the Church. A private family burial will be held on a later date at the Greenwood Cemetery.
Those left to cherish John’s memory include his loving wife of 62 years, Imogene (Gee) Crawford; children, Tim (Jan) Crawford of Shalimar, Florida, Jeff (Mary) Crawford of Altoona, Dan (Patti) Crawford of Knoxville, and Heather (Tom) Bandstra of Harvey; sister, Madge (Steve) Mitrisin of Knoxville, brothers, Larry (Debbie) Crawford of South Carolina, Rick (Ella) Crawford of Knoxville, and Gary (Cindy) Crawford of Pleasantville; nine grandchildren; 
and two great-grandchildren; also sister-in-law, Marilyn Crawford of Texas.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Osa “Mae” Crawford; and one brother, LeRoy “Roy” Crawford.
Memorials may be given in John’s memory to the First Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, and the Hospice Comfort House in Pella.