On a beautiful sunny day, March 22, 2023, just after the Spring Equinox, Ewell E. Crawford, Jr. (89) of Benbrook, TX passed from his earthly home to his heavenly home that springs eternally. He fought many types of cancer in his 20 plus year battles like a warrior.
Ewell was born in Waco, TX to Ewell E. Crawford Sr. and Eula Geneva Wright Crawford while his father was attending Baylor University. They later moved to Fort Worth where his father Ewell Sr., (late) sister Selma Louise Crawford Hicks and Ewell Jr. would all earn various degrees from Texas Christian University. Ewell’s school colors were purple from the start when he attended and obtained his high school diploma from Pascal (Panthers) High School in Fort Worth before becoming a TCU Fightin’ Frog. Ewell Jr. held two degrees from Texas Christmas University; Bachelor of Science in 1959 and Masters of Education Administration in 1967. His education was put on hold while he served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957, Specialist First Class (SP1). He was stationed the majority of his Army service in Germany.
After graduation from TCU he became a teacher for Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) from 1959-1971. In 1971-1990 he served as a Principal for several FWISD Elementary Schools, including Milton L. Kirkpatrick, Willis-Cartwright and Burton Hill Elementary.
He met the love of his life at a Valentine’s Banquet in 1951 at one of his fathers churches he was pastoring, Nita Lancaster when they were each given a heart upon entering and their two heart pieces matched. They married on June 23, 1953. They spent 69 years and 9 months loving each other unconditionally, having a family and serving in their home church, First Baptist Church of
Benbrook for over 63 years.
Ewell was an avid sportsman including hunting and fishing. He enjoyed bowling on the church bowling league. He was a master craftsman in both wood and leather work. He went on to work for Tandy leather after retiring from FWISD. He eventually went into business for himself. His wood and leather work sold world wide and were especially appreciated in Western saddle making and in the country of Japan. As he lost his eyesight he found a new love in books on tape that he consumed many weekly as well as classical music that brought him great joy until his dying day. Ewell and Nita felt called to adopt two children; Wendy and Clay through Buckner Baptist Benevolences. Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him. Psalms 127:3.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Ewell Sr. and Eula Crawford, his sister Selma Crawford Hicks, his parents in love Jesse and Josie Lancaster, his daughter in love Jennifer Guest Crawford, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his wife, Nita Crawford, his daughter Wendy Crawford Payne (Roland) of Denton. His son Clay Crawford (Jennifer) of Fort Worth. Four Grandsons: Blanton Crawford Payne (Hailey) of Denton, Macaulay William Payne (Kyndra) of Denton, William (Billy) Clay Crawford (Annie), and Zachary Guest
Crawford of California. Great granddaughter Farrah Marie of Denton. Grandchildren in love: Owen & Grace White. Brother in love Clayton Hicks of Franklin, TN, brother in love Eddie Lancaster of Houston, TX. Many cousins, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, that he loved tremendously.
Above all Ewell can be remembered as a loving husband and father, creative, artistic, faithful family member and friend who first followed Christ.
A Celebration of LIfe will be at First Baptist Church of Benbrook on Saturday, April the 8th at 11 a.m. Officiating: Dr. Todd Pylant and Dr. Paul Basden.
Memorials may be made to: Texas Life Hospice, 1292 Highway 157, Suite 100, Mansfield TX. 76063 or
Cougar Pride Foundation (FWISD Western Hills High School) Attn: Patty Pressley, 3600 Boston Avenue, Benbrook, TX 761116,
or a charity of your choice.
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