Charles Ralph “Pete” Crawford, 87, passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Janet, after celebrating 66 years of marriage; his three daughters, Susan and husband John; Nancy and husband, Jeff; Karen and fiancé, Dean; his nine grandchildren, Lauren and husband, Nick, John and wife, Katherine, Kathryn and husband, Jason, David, Daniel, Marshall, Jennifer, Holly, and Stephanie; and two great grandchildren, Charlotte and Aidan, with two more expected in 2019. Born in Galveston, TX to Ralph and Jewell Crawford (both deceased) on November 23rd, 1930, Pete was the first of two children, having a younger sister Lallie Ann (also deceased).
In his youth, Pete was a practiced sailor, navigating and fishing the waters surrounding Galveston Island. He attended Sewanee Military Academy in Tennessee. Upon completion of his primary education, he returned to Galveston where he met Janet at Crockett Place United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir.
He attended University of Texas-Austin, but during the Korean War, joined the U.S. Navy, serving his country aboard LST 799. In 1952, while on leave from the military, Pete married Janet in Chicago, IL, whose family had relocated from Texas due to Janet’s father’s promotion with the Santa Fe Railroad. After his military service, he returned to University of Texas to complete his degree in mechanical engineering.
During these years, Pete witnessed the birth of his three daughters. His military service and education were catalysts for residence through-out the country. After graduation, Pete took a job at an engineering firm in Houston.
In 1968, after Pete took a position with Monsanto at Chocolate Bayou, he and his family settled in Alvin, TX where they joined the First United Methodist Church, and have been proud and supportive members for these 50 years. While they resided in Alvin, Pete became part owner and engineer for McGill Maintenance Co in Freeport, Texas and later owned and operated a printing company in Houston where he and Janet worked together until retirement. Over the years with his family, Pete enjoyed hunting and fishing, avidly supporting the Texas Longhorns, and spending countless vacations at the beloved bay house in Bolivar, TX which has been in the family for over 50 years.
The house in Alvin, which Pete and Janet designed and built together, and the bay house in Bolivar have been and continue to be the central gathering places for family events including every Christmas and 50 consecutive Fourth of July celebrations. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, September 24, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church in Alvin with Rev. Mike Mayhugh officiating.
Condolences may be sent to the family at frobergfuneralhome.com.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
