David Crawford

David Crawford, aged 95, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2024. Born on May 28, 1929 in Basehor, KS to Herbert and Mary Beatrice (Griffin) Crawford. Dave was the sixth of eight siblings – five boys and three girls. The Crawford clan resided in a rambunctious household near 76th Terrace and the Paseo in South Kansas City. All five boys were car enthusiasts rebuilding engines and stringing car parts from tree limbs.

Dave worked his way through college, earning a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Missouri in 1951. During this time, he struck up a romance with the love of his life, Carol Clark. Carol and Dave wed on March 23, 1952 and were married nearly 66 years before her passing in February, 2018. Dave unselfishly cared for Carol during her final years after she suffered a stroke.

Carol and Dave were blessed with three children David (Susie) Crawford, Carol (Bob) Jones, Nancy (Steve) Myers, four grandchildren, Andrew (Jodie) Jones, Megan (Joe) Gepner, Meridith Hinman, and Pamela (Frank) Mountjoy, along with nine great-grandchildren.

For nearly 40 years, Dave worked in the military defense industry, first for McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis and then for many years at Bendix in Kansas City, retiring in May, 1989.

Upon retirement, Dave heartily pursued his passion for rebuilding and restoring flathead V8 Fords, a hobby that took him and Carol on multiple cross-country trips to car shows in places such as Dearborn, MI, and Whistler, B.C. Dave’s cars won several Dearborn awards through the years. Dave was generous with his time in the local Ford V8 club and forged many friendships there.

Dave and Carol were charter members of Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church in Overland Park, with Dave serving on the initial building committee and the Deacon board for many years.

Dave is survived by his sister Ann Simpson, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, wife, four brothers (Herb, Griff, Frank and Mitch), and two sisters (Jane and Betty).

Dave lived a full, adventurous and generous life and leaves a legacy treasured by his family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Head for the Cure Foundation, https://headforthecure.org/.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate and give thanks for Dave’s life on Monday, October 28, 2024 at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145. A visitation gathering will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a celebration of life at 11 a.m. Graveside service to follow at Forest Hill Cemetery at Gregory Boulevard and Troost Avenue in Kansas City, MO.