Allen Dale Crawford
Allen Dale Crawford, age 85, went home to his Heavenly Father on June 30, 2024. He was born in Harrison, Arkansas on March 22, 1939, to James Dale and Frances Jean Crawford. Allen graduated from Harrison High School and Arkansas Tech University. Allen served in the United States Army and achieved the rank of 1st Lt. After serving, he began his career at General Electric in Fort Smith (later Trane Manufacturing Company) as an engineer. Allen later served as Manager of Quality Control, Manager of Manufacturing, and Manager of Engineering, before retiring from Trane after 38 years.
He loved golf and served as President of the MGA at Ben Geren before becoming a charter member of Fianna Hills Country Club. In later years he became a member of Hardscrabble Country Club. Allen made many lifelong friends through playing golf. He also enjoyed spending time with his son, Mike, playing golf and attending Razorbacks basketball games until Mike’s passing in 2022. He was a loyal Arkansas Razorbacks, Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Cardinals fan. Allen was a member of Rye Hill Baptist Church. Allen is survived by Becky, his wife of 30 years; two daughters, TK Crabtree (Danny) of Little Rock, and Jennifer Weaver (Gary) of Olive Branch, MS; six grandchildren: Peyton and Dallas Crabtree of Little Rock; Brady and Harper Weaver of Olive Branch, MS; Sarah Crawford of Redondo Beach, CA; and Sean, Franklin (Andrea) of Hutto, TX; and three great-grandchildren of Hutto, TX. He is also survived by his sister, Diana Ezell (Charlie) of Harrison and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Allen was preceded ln death by his first wife, Mary Villines; his son, Mike; and his parents, Dale and Jean Crawford.
The funeral is under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. The service will be at Rye Hill Baptist Church Wednesday, July 3 at 11 AM. Visitation at Rye Hill from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Burial at the National Cemetery at 1:00.
Officiating the service will be Pastor Michael Franklin, and Minister of Music, Steve Stewart.
Pallbearers are Don Williamson, Ronnie Coleman, Joe Fred Young, Kruger Donelson, Jim Heuer, Charlie Ezell, and Tim Ezell.
Honorary pallbearers are Allen Haight, Charles David Adair, Roy Bill Ezell, Carl Brown, Frank Hug, Danny Starr, Freddy Ward, and Stan Crockett.
The family gives its special thanks to Dr. David Grant, Surgeon; Dr. Arnold Smith of Mercy Radiation and Oncology; and the wonderful nurses and doctors at Mercy Hospice for seeing Allen through this tough time.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Club (4905 North O Street, Fort Smith, AR 72904) or Rye Hill Baptist Church (11501 US Hwy 71, Fort Smith, AR 72916). Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com