Perry Neal Crawford

Perry Neal Crawford graduated from this life on 15 May 2026 at his home in Barstow. He was born 14 November 1954 in Downey, California, and spent his childhood moving throughout the western United States. Those early years were marked by turmoil and frequent upheaval until the family finally settled in Johnston City, Illinois, where he graduated from high school. Little did he know that the hardships of those early years would one day shape his life’s calling. He enrolled at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, but feeling it wasn’t the right path, he made his way to Sacramento. There he met Mary Eva Ingram, and they married in December 1973. Five children were born to their union, and though they later divorced, the family he built remained central to his life.

With jobs scarce at the time, Perry enlisted in the Army — a decision that would shape the next chapter of his life. Military service carried the family to Fort Campbell, Korea, Fort Ord, and through two tours in Germany. Along the way, he grew restless with a career in communications and set his sights higher. Through determined self-study and college testing, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree from New York Regents College, a Master’s Degree from Boston University, and a PhD from Columbia Pacific University. That education opened the door to a career in Substance Abuse Counseling, work he regarded as his true calling.

In 1987 he completed his active duty commitment and transitioned to civilian service. Around that same time, while stationed in Germany, he met Annegret Hannelore Kruse in Frankfurt. They married shortly after, and their union was later solemnized in the Frankfurt Germany Temple. In 1992 the Army brought them to Fort Irwin, and Barstow became home. Perry continued his government service for decades, completing 50 years in February before retiring just this past April. Three children blessed their marriage.

Perry was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served faithfully in many capacities — among them stake missionary, scoutmaster, bishopric counselor, and high councillor. He loved the outdoors, and found deep joy in camping with the scouts, wood carving, playing his guitar, and simply being a dad.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Anne Crawford; his children Corey (with Mariah), Kim (with Chris Reedy), Kyle, Cat (with Gary Hodge), Christopher (with Heather), Keisha, and Clayton; his granddaughters Allison, Alexis, Zadra, and Millie; his brothers Kerry and Ken; and his first wife Mary.

He is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth Crawford and Janice Wiseman, his stepfather Larry Wiseman, his little sister Yvonne Crawford, and his daughter Kayla.

This is the link for the livestream of the service

https://zoom.us/j/96200527385

Visitation will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2571 Barstow Rd, Barstow, CA 92311, US, on May 28, 2026, from 8:00 am to 9:00 am, followed by the Funeral at the same location on May 28, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am.

A Committal Service will take place at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518, US, on May 28, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.