Roscoe Dewitt Crawford

Roscoe Dewitt “Dee” Crawford was born in Hinton, West Virginia on May 10, 1936 to Francis E. and Lillie Mae Oliver Crawford the third of eventually eight children. From his early childhood Dee and his family were members and lifelong supporters of Camon Baptist Church in Hinton. After graduating from Lincoln High School, Dee attended and graduated from West Virginia State College (now West Virginia State University) in 1957 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army in the final year of the Field Artillery ROTC program. Several members of Dee’s family attended and graduated from West Virginia State College, including his paternal grandfather, George Roscoe Conkling (GRC) Crawford, who graduated from that same institution when it was named West Virginia Colored Institute.

At State, Dee majored in mathematics, was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and was a member of the Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Honor Society. Shortly after graduating, he met and married Isadora Caperton “Dodie” Hopkins.

As a military officer, Dee and Dodie traveled the world and each of their children’s’ births reflect that fact: Vernon was born in The Bronx, New York; Stephanie was born in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas; and Phyllis was born in Wurzburg, Germany. In Germany he commanded a Howitzer Battery and served in several staff positions including the VII Corps Artillery Special Weapons Inspection Team. In Korea he served as the Executive Officer of an I corps 8-inch howitzer battalion. In Vietnam he was an Operations Officer in the 25th Infantry Division Artillery Fire Direction Center and Operations Officer (S3) of a direct support Artillery Battalion. In Okinawa, Japan he served as Deputy Inspector General for the U.S. Army Base Command.

In the late 1970s the family transitioned from Okinawa, Japan to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. The family later established a firm foundation in Columbia, Maryland. Dee’s stateside assignments included various Army Air Defense Missile Organizations, the commander of Basic Training Units, and a Combat Arms faculty member of the US Army Chaplain School.

Dee’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, The Bronze Star (2nd OLC), the Air Medal (4th Award) and the Army Commendation Medal (2nd OLC).

Dodie and Dee were married for 26 years. Dee subsequently met and married Linda Louise Martin on April 23, 1990 in Fairfax, Virginia.

Following retirement from his US Army career at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, he completed a second 20-year career with The Washington Post newspaper as a Human Resources Manager and internal consultant to the Production Department management staff.

Sadly, his beloved Linda died suddenly and unexpectedly in December 1994. Dee retired from The Washington Post in 1996. He met Janice Colyer King while she was attending The American University in Washington, DC. They married on June 12, 1998 while Janice was working on her second master’s degree at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

Dee traveled the world and lived life fully. He was interested in everything, could do most anything and took great pleasure in learning something new and meeting new people. But, nothing gave him greater joy than to spend time with his large family and many friends. He loved to cook for his family and friends and a favorite refrain was that “no one will leave my house hungry.” And time spent with Dee almost always involved delicious food. Either food he expertly prepared himself or a well-prepared breakfast, lunch, brunch, tea, or dinner in a favorite or newly discovered restaurant or at the homes of friends and family members.

Dee touched the lives of many people he met. Some in small ways and some in profoundly significant ways. Upon learning of Dee’s passing, no one had to search for words to describe this “gentle giant.” He was “always a gentleman.” He was “a kind man [but] was always in control of whatever situation arose.” He was “an honorable and wise man who knew how to gain respect through honesty and support.” “He was very good looking.” He was “always well-mannered and well-dressed.” He “had a great influence on me.” He “didn’t mince words, but said what I needed to hear.” He “really listened.” You “always knew where you stood” with him. He was “very intelligent.” He “kicked us in the ass to make sure we took advantage [of opportunities] to advance.” He “gave us encouragement to stick with the RIT program” that he started at The Washington Post. “There were a lot of us who looked up to him.” “He was really handsome.” “He was a kind and gentle person” [and] “I will miss his wise and thoughtful guidance.” “He made the world a better place.” ”He always made such an impression on me. . .a strong spirit [and a] pretty special [person].” “Such a kind, loving and funny neighbor.” He was “like one of our little NWC gang…always easy to talk to and always interested in what was going on in our lives.” “He was a great man.” He was “a wonderful man and so welcoming when I first met him.” He was “a charming and intelligent man…I will miss his wit.” “Dee was one of the good guys.” “I admired his intellect and his sense of humor….” “He made me want to be a better person.” Anyone who knew him well will have a story to tell about this true Renaissance man.

In addition to his parents, his siblings Nora “Sissy” Sembly, Roger, Mark, Angela and Rachel preceded Dee in death.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife Janice King Crawford; his son, Vernon (Dawn); his daughters, Stephanie Hawkes and Phyllis; his stepson, Anthony Steven Watt; his granddaughter, Jordan; his brothers Francis and Robin (Patti); a brother-in-law, Cortez “Doc” Sembly, Sr.; a sister-in-law, Lorene Colyer Hill; and, Michael, Terri and John Michael Radziewski; Maria Fiorino Prisaznick and George Prisaznick and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Roscoe D. "Dee" Crawford (LTC USA, Ret) will be buried with full military honors at the Arlington National Cemetery on 5 October 2015. Those wishing to join the family for this seervice are invited to meet us at The Administration Building at Arlington National Cemetery at 8:00a.m.

You are invited to join the family directly after the service at 3704 Pleasant Ridge Rd, Annandale, VA 22003 for a continental brunch. If you are joining us for brunch your RSVP is required via email or call and leave a message at the house on 703-205-9515 by Friday, 2 October 2015. Thank you for your thoughtful actions, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.