J.C. Crawford, 93 passed away November 18, 2023 at Truman Medical Center. JC was born Ernest Crawford Jr. on June 14,1930 to Ernest and Frances (Haynes) Crawford in Pine Bluff Arkansas. He was one of nine children born to their union.
Although his formal education ended early, JC was a very skilled, well read and intelligent man. He had experience with heating and cooling, auto mechanics and electrical work and even beekeeping.
JC joined the Army in 1951 and proudly served during the Korean War. He was a member of the 2nd Armored Division and during his time in Korea he held the distinction of being the only African American in his unit to drive an artillery vehicle.
After being discharged from the army he settled in Kansas City, Missouri where he would build his life. There, he met Willie Mae Pickett. The two married in 1965 and he became a step father to Willie’s daughter, Violet. To their union three children were born. JC and Willie would have celebrated 58 years of marriage in December.
JC had a very strong work ethic. He held several part time jobs in addition to his job as a baker at Wonder Bread where he was again the first African American in his position. JC worked for Wonder Bread for 37 years and retired in 1996.
After his retirement he spent the next two years caring for his granddaughter, Sojourner until she was old enough for preschool. Retirement did not sit well for him so he went back to work doing maintenance for Boys and Girls Club and later a local charter school. The post retirement job he enjoyed most was driving the van for the Carousel Adult Day Care center where he, as he put it, “drove old people around” none of which were older than him.
JC was preceded in death by his parents and seven of his eight siblings(Earl, Emma, Ruby, Ernestine, Simmie, Estelle,and Erma). He is survived by: his wife Willie Mae, two sons Arthur Amos(Tarlice) of Altheimer Arkansas, Desi Crawford of Kansas City, three daughters Violet Pickett-Harris (Rick), Paula Crawford, and Piper Crawford all of Kansas City, six grandchildren; Dezilynn Crawford, Malcolm Starks, Sojourner Crawford, Kelsey Gibson, Kaleb Gibson and Garrett Washington; four great grandchildren; one sister Ozella Hampton of Kansas City; cherished in-laws Bennie Pickett, Susie Bobo, Dicey Pickett, Lucy Edwards and a host of much loved nieces and nephews.
