| Graduation Year | Class of 1939 |
| Date of Passing | Feb 24, 2012 |
| About | Wayne Crawford, 90, passed away Friday, Feb. 24, 2012 at the home of his daughter in New Castle after a two year illness. A son of the late Otis and Ruth (Eiler) Crawford, Wayne was born April 3, 1921 in Rushville and graduated from Rushville High in 1939. Wayne married the former Ruby Hickman June 29, 1941 while flying in an airplane over the city of New Castle. He served his country during World War II in the United States Army Air Corps. He was stationed in France and honorably discharged Dec. 27, 1946. Wayne worked for Connersville Visteon and its predecessors and retired in 1987 after 37 years of service. He was a nature enthusiast, loved to garden and had visited every Indiana state park and covered bridge. His memberships included the Centerville Stamp Club, where he served as treasurer, and the Western Wayne Film Club. Wayne lived most of his life in the Lewisville community before moving to New Castle in 1988. Survivors include his wife of 70 years; five children, Doug (Sue) of Boston, Sharon Brinson of Parker City, Ralph of Straughn, Cindy (Dannie) Brown of Knightstown and Mary Ann (Darrell) Jackson of New Castle; grandchildren, Trisa (Eric) High of Covington, Ky., David Brinson of Oklahoma, Douglas Crawford of Berrien Springs, Mich., Matthew (Lauren) Jackson, Lillie Jackson, Lynn (Connie) Brown, all of New Castle, Cheryl (Don) Frye of Detroit, Mich., Lyle Brown of Bay St. Louis, Miss., Jeremy (Katie) Jackson of Noblesville and Chris Jackson of Nashville, Tenn.; great-grandchildren, Benjamen, Nathaniel, Alexandria, Christina, Kelli, Amber, Garrin, Dan, Cynthia, McKenzie and Marlee; great-great-grandchildren, McKinzie, D.J. and Carman; sister, Fay Rardin of Williamstown; several nieces and nephews including a special niece and caregiver Patty Poe and caregiver Twila Taylor. Wayne was preceded in death by two sisters, Edna and Ida; three half sisters, Hazel, Helen and Sylvia; three half brothers, Glen, Clarence and Kenny; father and mother in-law, Fred and Pearl Hickman. Public graveside services with military honors will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012 at Lewisville Cemetery. Pastor Eric Hickman will officiate with family friend Tom Saunders assisting. Memorial contributions can be made to the Henry County Hospice, 798 N. 16th St., New Castle, IN 47362. Marshall & Erlewein Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. |
