John Leonadas Crawley

John was born to Charles W and Lula H Crawley on October 27, 1916 in Heath, Texas. In 1936, John enlisted in the United States Navy out of Texas as an Apprentice Seaman. John’s hardworking, reliable, cooperative, and pleasant nature established a long standing and respectable military career spanning the next 30 years. In 1939, John married the love of his life and best friend, Angie , who he had met at a dance at the Trianon Ballroom in Seattle. This sharp dressed, quick witted, charming man captured her heart as he whisked her to the dance floor, and she, his. John and Angie would continue to dance beautifully together for the next 751/2 years. In 1944, John became a father to his son, John P.

John was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1956 as an Aviation Machinists Mate Chief Petty Officer (NAS, Whidbey Island) after 20 years of active duty (WWII, Asiatic Pacific, American Theatre Area). John was a modest and courageous man who always fulfilled his duty with dignity and commitment. He was considered a compassionate and worthy man, often recognized by his peers and superiors for his dedication and bravery. After his discharge, John remained enlisted in the Fleet Reserves until 1966 when he was officially retired from the Navy. John also returned to school, first at Everett Junior College, and then full time at the University of Washington where he earned a degree in Sociology. This led him to a second career as a Supervising Parole and Probation Officer with the Denny Youth Center helping to guide struggling youth in a more positive direction. He never believed there were any bad children, just misguided, unfortunate circumstances. John always shared a positive, beneficial perspective in whatever serviceable endeavor he pursued. John retired from the state in the late 1970’s.

Although retired from work, John never retired from life. He lived with his wife Angie on the Tulalip Indian reservation for 51 years, where they entertained many guests and relatives from around the world. John loved to read, he loved history, and loved discovering worldly treasures not only through the written word, but also through his travels and the many people who were welcomed warmly to their home. John and Angie spent many wonderful years traveling, exploring many nature trails, and enjoying the pursuit of a good mushroom hunt. They enjoyed the companionship they shared and always were embraced with love from an extensive circle of family and friends.

John enjoyed a time of woodworking when he crafted a few special furniture pieces. He was also quite a collector and would always find useful bits during his daily walks. John always had a way to fix anything. He usually ended up bringing back something he found beautiful along the way for someone he loved. John had a great love of the water, and spent many cherished hours in their second cottage home exploring the beaches and nature paths along the Oregon Coast. He had an affinity for boxing and football (he had done both in his youth), and didn’t care who won as long as it was a good match. John held a special fondness for Greece and loved the culture and mythology of the country, as well as the food. He was able to go twice in his life, sharing the experience with his beloved wife, and then his granddaughters.

Everything John did in his life was a labor of love and out of commitment to his family. His great strength, generosity, kind spirit, intellect, love, and laughter brought all those who met him a smile and a feeling of assurance that everything was going to be ok.

John lived everyday with joy and gratitude. His great love and respect for the people and world beyond him were boundless. His generous heart never stopped loving, his kindness never stopped giving, his spirit never lost laughter. Not even at the end of his life did he loose the twinkle in his eyes or his sense of humor. John always wanted to make you laugh and see you smile.

John was predeceased by his parents, Charles W and Lula H Crawley, his brothers Pete, Hal (Woodie), and Paul (Gladys). He is survived by his son, John P. Crawley (Susan), and his granddaughters, Kimberly Crawley and Christine Lavelle, many dear and loved nieces and nephews, and his beloved wife Angie.

A very special thank you to Providence Hospice who was of great support and care in John’s final weeks and especially to our beautiful caregivers at Manor Villa Adult Family Home who always loved and cared for our Papa John like family. We love you so much.

At Johns request, there will be no formal funeral service. A gathering to celebrate John’s life will be held at the Ken Baxter Community Center in Marysville (514 Delta Avenue) on Sunday, October 30, 2016 between 1-5pm. An honor guard will present at 2pm to acknowledge John’s service in the Navy.

John was a gentle, loving soul who always took care to provide and offer the best to everyone else first. He left us with a great legacy of laughter and love. A well lived life is the most exquisite work of art and he created a masterpiece.

May your eternal life greet you with the warmth of those you love and some firewater cheer!

Love you Papa, always. You will be deeply missed.