Charles "Charlie" D. Crawford Sr.

Charlie was born in Ft. Wayne, IN to Charles W. and Rosa Ann (Eastes) Crawford on February 1, 1953. He was the second of four children. While most people know him as Charlie, his family nickname was Carty. Growing up he was a Boy Scout and an avid Komet fan. Charlie graduated from Elmhurst High School in 1971.

Charlie met the love of his life, Sheila (Boester), while he was working at her parents’ house, and it was love at first sight. They were married May 3,1975 in Ft. Wayne, IN at Trinity English Lutheran Church. They were joined by their daughter, Tracy (husband Andy Troxell) of McCordsville, IN, and son, Charlie, Jr. (wife Stefanie) of Franklin, KY. Their family was extended by the arrival of two grandsons, Jacen and Ben Troxell.

Along with his wife, children, and grandsons, he is survived by his brothers David (wife Peggy) Crawford and Jeff (wife Pamm) Crawford and sister Kathy (husband Danny) Smith, all of Ft. Wayne, IN. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews as well as cousins. He was preceded in death by both of his parents.

The summer after graduation, he began working at American Electric Power (AEP) as a lineman. He retired from AEP after 39 years as a Systems Dispatcher. In his retirement, he delivered flowers for Town and Country Flower Shop in Huntington. Charlie took pride in this job as it brought him much fulfilment, often bringing smiles to other people’s faces. He became a well-known favorite, and his deliveries often took longer than normal as he was a people person and enjoyed talking to those he was delivering to.

He enjoyed dancing with Sheila to 50s/60s music, even taking dancing lessons together early in their marriage. Music and attending concerts with his children and wife were also a favorite pastime, as well traveling, especially cruises. Along with Komet hockey, he was a Purdue basketball fan and a Chicago Cubs and Tin Caps baseball fan. He enjoyed golfing and spending time with friends. As proud as he was of his children, his grandsons were always a topic of conversation and pictures were always handy. He will be remembered for his love of dad jokes and one-liners that his children and grandsons still repeat. His homemade desserts such as strawberry rhubarb pie, fudge, and Christmas cookies are legendary and will be carried on by his family.

Charlie loved serving the community of Roanoke by being a member of the Roanoke Lions Club for 38 years. Charlie lived their motto, “We Serve” in everyday life. Through the club, Charlie helped with vision screenings for preschoolers and volunteered at the Indiana School for the Blind. He assisted with many fundraisers to support the community tirelessly selling Christmas trees, pancakes, sausage sandwiches, and fried fish, along with helping with fun runs and duck races. He loved working at the Indiana State Fair, often encouraging other Lions to help as well. Over the 38 years, he received many awards for his service and stewardship.

Charlie was a devoted member of Trinity English Lutheran Church for 51 years. His faith was reflected in a life of humble service, and he generously gave of his time by ushering, greeting fellow parishioners with a warm smile, and helping to serve Thursday evening meals to those in need. Charlie found great joy in extending kindness and hospitality to others. Deeply grateful for the many blessings in his own life, he believed in giving back to his community and was always willing to lend a helping hand. His quiet compassion, servant's heart, and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Charlie’s smile and laughter will be missed by all those who were lucky enough to know him, love him, and be loved by him.

A visitation will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Myers Funeral Home, Huntington Chapel, 2901 Guilford Street, Huntington, IN 46750.

Additional visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Myers Funeral Home Huntington Chapel.

Burial will follow at Covington Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 8408 Covington Rd, Ft. Wayne, IN 46804.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made out to Roanoke Lions Club Scholarship Fund, Trinity English Lutheran Church Community Dinner, or Stillwater Hospice.