Martin Dean Crawford

Martin Dean Crawford, 77, formerly of Mansfield, passed away at his home in Youngstown on Sunday, May 12, 2019. Martin was born on November 3, 1941 in Dawson, Georgia. He was the son of Grover and Jessie Mae (Taylor) Crawford Sr.

Martin was a graduate of Mansfield Senior High School where he played football and basketball. He retired as a four star chef at Sweeney's and also worked at the Gourmet Room. While in Mansfield, he always drove Miss Ohio contestants in the parade, and was a proud supporter of the Miss Ohio festivities. Martin was a devoted and loving father and grandfather. Family was very important to Martin, and he cherished the time they spent together. Martin could have a conversation with anyone as he never met a stranger, everyone was his friend.

Martin leaves behind his children, Belinda (Leonard) Reed, Tammy Crawford, and Mary Ann (Thomas) Parker; grandchildren, Tyron Crawford, Shala (Fredonia) Crawford, and Sheree Crawford; two great-grandchildren, Rickyah Minard and Brooklyn Jackson; brothers, Grover (Bernadine) Crawford Jr., and Jesse (Karen) Crawford; sister-in-law, Lisa Gay; mother-in-law, Irene Lehtonen; special niece, Erin (Brad) Miyoski and their daughter, Irene; and a host of other family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife whom he married in 2001, Susan (Lehtonen) Crawford; and his sister, Rena Mae (Abraham) Brandon.

The family will greet friends at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond Street, from 12:00-1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 22, 2019. Pastor Ed Allen will officiate the funeral service immediately following at 1:00 pm. Burial will be in Mansfield Cemetery.