He is preceded in death by his mother, Alma Crawford Frederick, father Willie Crawford, stepfather Russel Frederick, son Russel Crawford, and son-in-law Jerry Henderson.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Esther; children, Pam (Roy) Davis, Larry (Brenda) Crawford, Donna Henderson, and Donald (June) Crawford; grandchildren Brenda (Dennis) Carmichael, Sean Henderson, Jessica (Juan) Mercado, Scott (Samantha) Henderson and Jason (Becca) Crawford; great-grandchildren Candy, Dylan, Tyler and Cole; great-great-grandson Fisher, due March 2022.
Leonard and Esther met while working at a drive in theatre. They had a 1st date in June 1951 and were married 3 months later. Leonard went on to become a career railroad man working at the Monon, L+N, Seaboard Coast Line, and finally retiring after 41 years from the CSX. When he retired he became a member of N.A.R.V.R.E (National Association of Retired + Veteran Railway Employees) working to protect and preserve railroad retirement benefits. He also joined the Army National Guard in 1951 and retired as a full bird colonel with the Army Reserves in 1981. Because of the career path Leonard took, Esther was able to be a stay at home mom for their 5 children.
His loving devotion to his family carried over to his church, community, and several charitable organizations. He was a devoted church member of Ferry Pass United Methodist Church, serving as treasurer and general fix-it-man with his good friend Ray Smith. Leonard was also very active in the East Pensacola Heights Lion’s Club, serving as treasurer for many years.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Vitas Healthcare for all their compassion and support over the last nine months.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:
East Pensacola Heights Lion’s Club
Chapter 35L, c/o Marsha Whitehead
4790 Christy Dr.
Pensacola, FL 32504
Visitation will be at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, on Friday, October 8, 2021 from 1-2 pm, followed by funeral service at 2:00 pm.
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