Raymond “Ray” Crawford, 73, Gladstone, died peacefully Sunday, January 31, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Health Center, Dickinson, with family members and friends by his side. Ray’s funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, February 4, 2010 at Peace Lutheran Church, Dickinson with Rev. Steven Schou officiating. Interment will take place in the spring at the Dickinson Cemetery. Ray’s visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, with a prayer service at 5:30 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service. Visitation will continue one hour prior to service time at the church.
Raymond J. Crawford was born May 6, 1936 at Bismarck to Raymond and Ida (Deide) Crawford. Ray attended school in the Bismarck area and worked on the Wachter Ranch until he entered the U.S. Army. Ray moved to Billings, Mont. in 1975 and lived there until returning to North Dakota in 2003, during that time he married Joyce Anderson at Miles City, Mont..
Ray was a member of the Eagles and Moose Lodge where he enjoyed spending time with friends. Ray loved his grandchildren, his animals, especially Sami his special dog, and the peaceful setting of the ranch life.
Ray is survived by his wife of 30 years, Joyce (Anderson), Gladstone; four children, Bill Crawford, Bismarck, his children Zena and Billy Jr.; Jeff (Laura) Crawford, Dickinson; Laurie (Calvin) Wahl, Dickinson, their children, Nick Phillips, Cody, Stephanie, and Calli; Butch (Heidy) Crawford, Rapid City, SD, and their children, Breanna, Taylor, Payton, and Coewyn; one brother, Jack Crawford, Mandan, one sister-in-law, Ginger Giese, and one brother-in-law, Arthur (Deanna) Anderson, and many nieces and nephews.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Tanker, and two brothers, Johnny Giese and Bob Crawford. Ray will be missed by all.
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.: Ps 73:26. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
