On Monday morning, March 25, 2019, Gary Lynn Crawford, husband, son, father, PePaw, brother, and uncle, went to his final resting place, at the age of 55. Gary was born in Evanston, Wyoming on November 1, 1963. He moved to Panorama, California for a short period during his early years, before moving to Houston, Texas. Gary graduated from Jersey Village High School Class of 1982 and then earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Tarleton State University in 1986.
Shortly after graduation Gary served eight years with the Utah State Police where he served several years on the Violent Offender’s Task Force. Gary moved back to Houston where he became a Houston Police Officer, graduating with the Class of #171, following in his brothers; Dale and Eric’s footsteps. His dad proudly pinned Badge #6712 to him during his graduation on August 25, 1997.
Gary met Jodie Martin in 1998 and they were married on March 15, 1999, it was just days ago they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. Gary and Jodie made their home in Montgomery, Texas where they raised their two daughters, Samantha and Sabrina.
Gary and Jodie loved to go on vacation, their favorite place was Disneyworld. They would spend a week there every year for the past ten years. Camping was another favorite of Gary’s not so much Jodie’s but she did it for him anyway. They would drive for hours to get to Yellowstone, set up camp and then just enjoy nature.
During Gary’s time with the Houston Police Department he served at the Northeast Patrol Division, Special Operations Division, Kingwood Division, Tactical Operations Division and the Air and Marine Division where he found his true calling, the Marine Enforcement Unit. Gary’s life on the water gave him the opportunity to develop relations with his fellow officers creating a Blue Brotherhood. They ate together; worked out together and spent countless hours on the boat patrolling the waters of Lake Houston.
Gary lived for the Houston Rockets! He spent 16 years on the Security Detail Team hosting the opposing teams at the Toyota Center. The two sports teams he is most passionate about are the Houston Rockets and Denver Broncos.
Gary Lynn is survived by his “rock” of over 21 years; Jodie Crawford, his loving parents, Gary and Sherre Crawford, daughters; Samantha Bentley and husband Clint and Sabrina Galleymore and husband Jeffrey, his brothers Eric and wife Cathy and Dale and wife Christie, Grandchildren, Wyatt and Nora Bentley and Raelynn and Laney-Mae Galleymore. Gary will be forever remembered by loving nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends.
Gary is preceded in death by Grandparents; William and Edna Crawford, Earl Dugan and Maxine Haggerty, and brother in laws Carl Martin Jr. and Michael Martin.
Pallbearers representing the Houston Police Department Marine Unit: Lieutenant. Michael Novack, Sergeant Epi Garza, Senior Police Officer’s: Roosevelt (Rooster) Ashford, Charles Dodson, James Fowler, Samuel Roccaforte, Alvin Steelman, Retired Senior Police Officer Steven Wiggins, Police Officer’s Alfonso Garcia and Sean Phillips.
Honorary Pallbearers: Dale and Eric Crawford, Sergeant (Army Airborne), Clint Bentley and Wyatt Bentley, Jeffrey Galleymore, John and Christopher Martin, Houston Police Marine Unit Police Officer Michael Moran.
On behalf of the entire family we invite you to join us in celebrating Gary’s Life and Legacy.
Visitation will be held from 5 pm- 8 pm at Cashner Funeral Home on Thursday, March 28, 2019 located at 801 Teas Road, Conroe, Texas 77303.
Funeral Services will be held beginning at 10 am on Friday, March 29th, 2019 at Cashner Funeral Home located at 801 Teas Road, Conroe, Texas 77303.
Burial is open to Family and Friends beginning at Noon on Friday, March 29th, 2019 at Klein Funeral Homes and Memorial located at 14711 Farm to Market Road 1488, Magnolia, Texas 77354.
On behalf of our entire families we would like to extend our deepest and sincerest appreciation to our brothers and sisters with the Houston Police Department that has shown their love and support to our family during this difficult time.
We would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to the Staff at Houston Methodist the Woodlands ICU Department for their compassion and care over the weekend as well as the Donate Life Texas organization for their support and compassion.
