Tom was born on August 17, 1935 to the late Lloyd Crawford and the late Martha Dreps Crawford in Chicago, Illinois. He was the second oldest of four children and spent most of his youth growing up in California.
Tom earned a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering/Aeronautical Degree from the University of Southern California where he gained a life-long love for the USC Trojans. He began his career with Lockheed-Martin as an engineer at the west coast Burbank plant. He created many lasting friendships with his coworkers and fell in love with and married Margie Armendariz Belden who also worked for Lockheed-Martin. They were married 27 years and enjoyed traveling together and with family on numerous trips overseas, local adventures, road trips with Drum Corps and cruises. They never allowed ‘Park’ to prevent them from enjoying life and finding the joy in visiting family or friends, near or far. Tom loved an airplane ride, a place he felt most comfortable given his many years with Lockheed.
As the company merged with their east coast location, Tom moved his family to Georgia in support of the L-1011 TriStar airplane he had been working on since its conception. He continued to grow within the company and was promoted from department manager to program manager, his last position before his retirement in 2001. He traveled to many different countries all over the world in support of his work. During the tail end of his career with Lockheed, Tom moved to Greenville, South Carolina to complete his time with the company. He would rush home every weekend to be able to spend time with his family, support the local SHS Band on Friday nights and sacrificed himself so that he could give his family the best. In the lifetime of his career, Tom had focused solely on the L-1011 airplane during his 35 years of dedicated service. Upon retiring the last L-1011, Delta Airlines personally invited Tom and Margie to ride first class from Atlanta to Orlando as an homage to his life’s work. Tom also flew on that airplane on a one way trip to park the aircraft in the California desert and retire the fleet.
Tom was quiet natured and had the love of a servant’s heart. He selflessly did many things to provide for his family and encouraged them to always make the best of wherever they were at. His positivity and giving spirit flowed into his home church, Wildwood Baptist. Tom was an active member since 1999 and also enjoyed volunteering with Special Olympics during his time at Lockheed and as a side walker for Hippo (horse) Therapy facility. His strong sense of community was evident as he was a member of the Atlanta USC Alumni Club, a regular grabbing lunch with his fellow Lockheed Retiree friends and participating in most of the Grove activities with his neighbors who served as his family in Georgia. No one could complete a crossword puzzle (in ink) better than him - his memory for facts was incredible.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Martha Crawford; brother, Chaz Crawford; and brother in law, Allen Sheafor. His kindness and memory will be cherished by those he leaves behind: wife of 27 years, Margarita “Margie” Crawford of Woodstock, Georgia; children, Chris Crawford (Andrea) of Simi Valley, California, Christina Crawford Hubner (Chad) of Missouri, Tyler Crawford (Leanne) of Buford, Georgia and Austin Crawford (fiancé, Mary Young) of Woodstock, Georgia; sister, Pat Shaefor of California; brother, Michael Crawford (Sheila) of Oregon; sister in law, Suzanne Crawford of California; grandchildren, Alexis, Casey, Cole, Alyssa, Mindy, Gideon, one grand-baby on the way; a first great-grandchild expected in the Spring and other family members living in California.
A Memorial Service in Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at 2:30 PM at Wildwood Baptist Church 4801 Wade Green Road Acworth, Georgia 30102 with Pastor Steve Coleman officiating. Everyone is welcome to join the family during their reception following Tom’s service in the Faith Center.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to American Parkinson’s Disease Foundation – APDF.
Condolences may be made at www.woodstockfuneralhome.com.
