Loyd Duane Crawford

Loyd D. Crawford was born August 26, 1936 to Ralph and Minnie Crawford in Saint Francis, Kansas.

Growing up he enjoyed sports and participated in basketball, football, wrestling, baseball and track.

Loyd attended the University of Kansas from 1954 to 1959 where he earned his BS in Engineering. He went on to attain his MBA in engineering at UMKC in 1965. He was an American Society of Civil Engineers Lifetime Member.

Loyd met the love of his life, Patricia Joan, when she fell down the stairs at the University of Kansas student union and he caught her! She fell for him and they were together for over fifty years until her sudden death in 2010. He was a devoted husband, father and Papa. Sunshine, rain or snow, Loyd attended every sporting activity that his children and grandchildren played. His passion was watching the KU Jayhawks, the KC Chiefs and the KC Royals. He was not a fair-weather fan.

Loyd began his career with Kansas DOT reviewing steel for bridges. The next forty years were spent in management for three different steel companies: Kansas City Structural Steel, Havens Steel and RMF. He held positions ranging from Plant Manager to Vice-President of Production. The more memorable projects ranged from steel fabrication for sports arenas and bridges to manufacturing industrial freezers for the food industry. He retired in 2003 and enjoyed traveling with his wife until her passing. Favorite places included Florida, Alaska, Lake Tahoe, Branson and Colorado.

Loyd was very active in the Overland Park community. He was a lifetime member of the Kiwanis. During his forty-three year tenure, he held numerous positions including club president in 1968 and district lieutenant governor in 1969. He also volunteered for over ten years at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead where he supported the wagon rides.

Loyd is survived by his daughter, Kim Crawford of Boulder, CO; his son Dr. Kevin Crawford and his wife Linda of Overland Park, KS; and his daughter Kamala Laurenzo and husband Joe of Olathe, KS.

Grandchildren: Tiffany Arensdorf of Westminster, CO; Alicia and Paul Laurenzo of Overland Park, KS; Austin and Luke Crawford of Overland Park, KS. Great-grandchildren; Kinzley Arensdorf of Westminster, CO; and baby great-grandson arriving in November of this year. Siblings; sister Norma Molle; brother Raymond Crawford ; and sister-in-law Jan Crawford. And a host of beloved nieces and nephews as well as friendships from over the years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead at Friends of the Farmstead Post Office Box 26392 Overland Park, Kansas 66225 (913) 322-6467 or https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E82660&id=29