Chester E. Crawford

Crawford, Chester E., age 79, of Kalamazoo, passed away on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at his home surrounded by loved ones. Chet was born in Stalwart, MI, on April 13, 1943, the son of the late James and Lorene (Crisp) Crawford. Chet graduated from Pickford High School, Class of 1961. He started college at Central Michigan and after service in the air force, went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Michigan University in 1971. During his college years, he worked summers driving a tour carriage on Mackinac Island. It was on Mackinac Island (“the island”) that he met the love of his life, Sally. On September 13, 1964, he married Sally (Linn) Crawford. In 1966 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and after basic and tech training, was stationed at Yokota, Japan and later at K.I. Sawyer AFB in Michigan. While in Japan, Chet gleaned as much of the Japanese culture as he could, taking in all the experiences available, culminating in climbing Mount Fuji. He served our country with honor until being discharged in 1970. His passion for learning and helping others paved his way to becoming a teacher. He taught for 8 years and then was in floorcovering sales until his retirement. With his many friends and family, Chet enjoyed playing golf, camping, traveling, geocaching and grilling. He attended Immanuel Lutheran Church. He had a fun-loving personality, with great wit and a knack for storytelling. He was outgoing and friendly. He was a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather (the ultimate Papa) and brother. He will be missed by all who loved him. Chet is survived by his wife, Sally (Linn) Crawford. He is also survived by two children, Sheryl (Mark) Ritchie and Carrie (Matt) Walker; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Crawford; seven treasured grandchildren, Erin, Morgan and Shannon Ritchie, Allani and Brady Crawford, Amaya and Nora Walker; three siblings, James (Linda) Crawford, Reginald (Audrey) Crawford and Rodney Crawford. Chet was also preceded in death by a son, Bradley Crawford and brother, Tom Crawford. A memorial service to honor his life will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2022, beginning at 11:00 AM, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 3000 West Main St. Kalamazoo, MI 49006. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 AM, one hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest at Ft. Custer National Cemetery on April 13, 2023, at 1:00 PM. Memorials may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church or Centrica Care Navigators Hospice, c/o the funeral home. The family is being served by Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home in Kalamazoo, MI.

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Chester E. Crawford

April 13, 1943 - November 3, 2022