Joe passed away December 1, 2015 at home surrounded by his family
who loved him so very much. Joe was born April 1, 1931 in Kansas City.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Hester Crawford, brother,
Stephen Hayes Crawford and grandson, Timothy Brogan Crawford.
Joe attended Southwest High School in Kansas City and the University of
Missouri, Columbia where he was a most proud member of the Sigma Chi
Fraternity. Joe’s Sigma Chi brothers remained as his closest friends
throughout his adult life.
Joe was a member of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection,
Morningstar Sunday School Class, The 40 Year Ago Column Club and Native Sons.
Joe was also a proud Boy Scout Eagle, Tribe of Mic- O- Say.
Upon graduating from college he entered the Army as a 2nd Lt. where
he served two years in the Korean war. Joe worked for Cook, Paint and
Varnish and Sharp Manufacturing before returning to Kansas City to
start World Travelers, which was a travel club flying their own DC7-B
98 passenger airplane to many exotic spots. Joe then became a manufacturer’s
Rep for several years before going into business with his father-in-law,
Jim Frey. Several years later Joe took over their business, FC Industries
who sold animal cremation equipment throughout the mid-West. He
then started Pet Cremation Services a local provider to veterinarians
and individuals whose pets pass away at home. Joe persuaded his son-in-
law, Steve Rohleder to join his firm 15 years ago, which allowed him to
retire in 2013.
Joe was a great adventurer sailing numerous times across the Gulf of Mexico
and once to Cuba in a 23 ft. sailboat with his cousin from Biloxi, MS
He loved he and his wife Linda’s trips to Mexico in the winter for many
Years. One of his favorite vacations was an annual family trip to St. George
Island, FL where many evening hours were passed playing Monopoly.
Survivors are Joe’s wife, Linda of the home, daughters Lori and Fred Eigenman,
Aimee’ and Steve Rohleder and grandchildren, Andrew, Michael, Benjamin
And Jacob Rohleder and Cierra Grace and David Eigenman.
Linda wishes to thank Dr. James O’Keefe and Dr. Andrew Kao of Cardiovascular
Consultants who were so very compassionate in their care of Joe for over 20
years. Also, in his final few days the nurses at Interim Hospice for their
invaluable care and attendance at home. Joe wanted to pass away at
home and his family are so grateful for the help which enabled that to happen.
Memorial service will be held Friday, December 4, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. at UM Church
Of the Resurrection, Wesley Chapel, 13720 Roe Ave. Leawood, KS. 66224 Lunch to follow in student center.
Memorials may be sent to Hope Faith Ministries, 705 Virginia; Kansas City,
MO 64106 or The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Ave
Leawood, KS 66224. Services provided by Signature Funerals 8019 State Line Rd. KCMO 64114 www.cathyb6.sg-host.com 816-214-5174
I was so sad to hear of your loss today, Linda. I remember the special times we had as our girls were growing up. Be comforted in knowing he is no longer suffering the pains of the world. May his memory be eternal and may the precious memories and events of your lives with one another sustain your hurting hearts and bring peace. Stella
Dear Linda:
Don’t know if you will remember me from Barstow School. Such a long time ago, but I fondly remember our time together .
So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing, and especially this time of the year, although anytime is difficult.
If you wish to get in touch, I would be happy to visit with you, and again my condolences to you and your family
Phyllis Hopkins
Dear Phyllis
Of course I remember you. Thank you so very much for your
thoughts. I know this is not going to be an easy road –
we have been together for 50 years, 48 married.
Hope this finds you all well. Merry Christmas
Linda Crawford
Dear Linda,
Carol and I send you and your family our love prayers during this time of great loss.
For almost three decades, I was fortunate to observe Joe’s business expertise, ethics and his personal, accommodating warmth. With the passage of time, my respect for him only increased.
I remember his unique laughter and the pleasure I had working with Joe when we participated in distributor conferences, trade exhibitions and various related trade association meetings around the country. I remember enjoying delicious meals him, BBQ in Kansas City, wonderful Italian food in St. Louis and Cajun fare in New Orleans, where he also loved listening to live Dixieland Jazz bands!
It has been stated that, when all is said and done, a person may count a multitude of friends on many hands but true friends on only one hand. Joe was my friend and I will always miss him, his smile and his laughter.
The following quote from Jospeh Roux says it beautifully, “We call that person who has lost his father an orphan and a widower,that man who has lost his wife. But that man who has known the immense unhappiness of losing a friend, by what name do we call him? Here every language is silent and holds its peace in impotence.”
May God bless you and your family with His strength, countless sweet memories and the assurance that we will see Joe again!
Rest Joseph, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation. U.S. Army, Korean War.