Mark Andrew Crawford

Mark Andrew Crawford, 65, passed away, surrounded by family at 9:11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima; after a long battle with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Mark was born on February 10, 1956, to Jane Marie (Sharp) Crawford and the late Thomas Eugene Crawford.

Mark graduated from Elida High School in 1974.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1979 and served in the Green Berets.  He retired as a Master Sergeant of the military police.  He worked for the family furniture business and went on to work at Allen Correctional Facility in Lima.

Mark is survived by his wife, Christine (Palmer) Crawford; daughters: Lauren (Ryan) Johns, Ashley (Patrick) Greaves; grandchildren: Jaxston, Alivia and Emersyn; sisters:  Kathleen (Nick) Radebaugh of Lima, and Debra (Cresencio) Ornelas of Bucyrus; special nephew who was more like a son, Brendon (Christie) Reed of Wapakoneta; brother-in-law, Dr. David (Mavis) Palmer of Kent, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was known as “Papa with a beard” and “Munkle Mark”.  He was strong willed with a big personality.  There was nothing he didn’t know how to get done.  He loved collecting things and the outdoors.  If you were looking for him, he was probably outside.  Mark could talk to anyone, whether on the phone or in person, for hours. Some would say he never met a stranger.  He came from a big family and was a no-nonsense type of guy and he would tell you like it is; but he still managed to get ya with a joke, a smirk, and those dimples.  Mark never left without an “I love you”, a smooch and a hug.  He loved his cats (especially the ones that snuggled him at night); his dog Kodi, his chickens, turkeys, ducks, and especially his goats (some of which he affectionately named).

There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his children and his family.  He loved weekly Saturday morning breakfast with his closest friends and weekend visits when he could enjoy Lauren’s homemade desserts and playtime with his “J-Man”.

Mark was stubborn, strong willed and would give the most lasting impression.  Friends and family have said about him: “100% dedicated, firm, fair and consistent”, “A good man”, “Very smart and kind”, “A great friend”, “A close friend”, “One of a kind”, “Could retain so much information and history”, and “Raised his girls well”.

The family will receive friends from 12 – 2 p.m. on Monday, November 15, 2021 at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home.   The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m.  Chaplain Glory Geib will officiate.  Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery, Elida, OH.  Graveside Military Honors will be conducted by VFW Post 1275.

Family and friends are invited to attend a gathering at the VFW Post 1275 after the graveside service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Deb’s Dogs.

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima.  Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com .