Darwin Crawford, age 86 died at his home on Monday, May 6, 2024. He was born in Springdale, Utah on October 29, 1937 to Lloyd LaVon Crawford and Ola Crofts Crawford.
His childhood was filled with adventures in the outdoors hunting rabbits with his single shot 22 and chasing lizards. These activities were always done with a large group of friends as he had a gift of loving and keeping friends close to him. He attended grade school in Parowan and Cedar City and graduated from Cedar City High School. Furthermore, he attended Barber School in Salt Lake City, Utah. In addition to becoming a licensed barber he also completed a one year course to become a licensed cosmetologist. While completing barber school he joined the National Guard including time spent in Puerto Rico. Darwin owned a barber shop in Cedar City for many years while also spending much of his time pursuing and perfecting hobbies such as tying flies for fly fishing, crafting handmade bows and arrows, and participating in clubs such as The Elks and Ats Queo Archery Club where he served as President. A second career with Mt. Bell relocated him to Kanab Utah to work for what is now South Central Communications staying on there until retirement in 2004.
He and his wife Bonnie were married in Kanab Utah July 31, 2004. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Bismark, No. Dakota temple of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. Darwin spent time serving as City councilman for Kanab City and held many callings in his church including counselor in bishoprics spanning 13 years.
Never wanting to have idle hands he continued honing his skills as a gifted craftsman carving useful items from wood collected while spending time outdoors camping and riding his Rhino with his faithful, adventure-seeking wife Bonnie. He made hundreds of items from leather, some leather that was processed and tanned himself. These included bags, belts and gun straps with stitching more perfectly spaced than the finest machine would be capable of making. Darwin loved to cook; a talent inherited from his wonderful mother. Whether in the kitchen making a pot of stew, outside at a campfire with Dutch ovens or filling jars to process in a water bath canner or pressure cooker you were always well fed when you were with Darwin.
He is survived by his wife Bonnie Brunson Crawford of Kanab, Utah, His children: Suzanne Crawford Brown (Marc) St. George, Utah. Kenneth Crawford Salt Lake City, Utah. Brandon Crawford (Melissa) Kanab, Utah
Bonnie’s children: Terrie Henrie (Paul) Bunkerville Nevada, Brad Barnes (Lesa) Panguitch, Utah, Annette Bray (Eric) Rush Valley, Utah, Randy Barnes (Lisa) Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Step-children from a previous marriage include: DeeAnn Lancaster St. George, Utah, Teresa Barney (Tony) Cedar City, Utah, and adopted son Shane Crawford, Hurricane, Utah, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, older brother Lloyd LeRoy Crawford and his infant brother Kenneth Mac.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 10th 2024 in the Kanab 1st Ward Chapel, 1435 South McAllister Drive. There will be a viewing from 9:30 to 10:45 prior to the services at 11:00 am. Burial will be in the Cedar City Cemetery at 3:00 PM under the direction of Mosdell Mortuary.
You are invited to watch the services through the Zoom link below;
https://zoom.us/j/98831687754?pwd=Q05JbjBPWHk1cnh0b3dCSmlLajZkZz09
Meeting ID: 988 3168 7754
Passcode: 781849
My heart goes out to Bonnie and the rest of the Family.
May you rest assured Darwin is busy in Heaven or He has found some one to visit with.
Our love goes with him to all our Family that is there to welcome him .
We are saddened to hear of the loss of Brother Crawford. He had many friends at the Panguitch Lake Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We will miss his presence and warm personality. He made the world a better place. Our condolences to all his family.
Panguitch Lake Branch Presidency
Art Clark
Mike Stratton
Evan Excell
Life is just too short, no matter the years, leaving only memories. May the countless, fine memories of your beloved husband/father forever warm your hearts and bring smiles to your faces, even behind tears shed. May you find comfort in knowing that death was never God’s plan, (Gen.1:28; Rom.5:12) and one day death will be no more, as (Rev.21:4) loved ones will be resurrected (Acts 24:15) with the hope of life forever in paradise, on earth, as (Ps.37:11,29) God intended. Until then, a fine person, Darwin Crawford, rests in God’s care and keeping. Sincerely sorry for the family’s loss.
Dear Bonnie, we are saddened by the passing of Darwin.
My fondest memories of Darwin was when he would come twice a week to help me with my walking rehabilitation while in Kanab.
Every first milestone was achieved with his help. He was genuinely happy with my progress.
What a great friend he was! He will be missed.
May the Lord give you Bonnie the strength you need at this difficult time.
Rest in Peace dear Darwin. Till we meet again.
Darwin is a 2nd cousin of mine. I was also raised in Springdale and the best place to grow up. I did not know Darwin that well but, my dad hunted deer with him on several occasions. I remember my dad telling about the first time Darwin went deer hunting after he was married. His wife was very concerned about his safety. She decided to dye his underwear red. Well that didn’t turn out so well. Poor Darwin was wearing pink underwear for the deer hunt. My dad always enjoyed hunting deer with all the Crawfords. At a luncheon after a funeral, Darwin and Bonnie sat across the table from me, Darwin told a few deer hunt stories about my dad. My deepest condolences to Bonnie and his posterity he left behind.