A person is fortunate to have a truly wonderful and caring mentor (and friend) in their career.  SMSgt Crawford was one of mine.  I served under him as a new MTI was able to hone my craft as a direct result of his guidance and leadership.  I remember the times he'd make it a point to give me a pat on the back for going the extra mile with a difficult trainee and I remember the times when I was locked up at the position of attention in front of him as he provided the firm guidance I now admit I may have needed from time to time.  Those were the easy things that SMSgt Crawford handled with grace and professionalism.  What I remember most, however, is the time I was at my worst.  I was struggling to find my groove with the flight - my first team chief - the team member was undermining me and I had some significant personal issues I was trying to deal with.  At the snake pit, during lunch, in front of several hundred trainees and a slew of other MTIs, I broke down completely.  It was SMSgt Crawford who stepped in,  got me the help I needed and fought to keep me in the squadron.  To Chris, he was just doing his job.  For me, however, his actions and support became a defining moment in my career and my life.  I will miss you, brother, but I will never forget you.

While I didn’t know Christopher I don’t really need to because he dawned the MTI hat. That tells me the kind of man he was at heart. A man that served others by leaving a legacy within the Air Force for years and years to come. Rest well brother, see you on the other side. 🇺🇸

SMSgt Crawford was and always will be the most influential person in my Air Force career. I was fortunate to be assigned to him in flight 609, July 2012-September 2012 during basic training. He led with passion and always set the example of how someone should conduct themselves. My deepest condolences to his family, the world lost an amazing man and his dedicated years of service have touched many lives. 

I worked with Chris for several years and like everyone else I was impressed with his knowledge, caring, desire for accountability, and as I came to learn, his wicked sense of humor. Now I think about his wry expression and almost devious smile, that he could turn off like a switch and take care of business.  He was involved with aspects of running an organization and was one of the leaders of our team.

As the Division’s interim Superintendent, until he left this last March, I spent countless hours working along side Chris and talking with him about our different work and family issues.  We spend so much time at work (sometimes more then you spend with your family), that you come to consider people as family.  Chris was our brother and the news of his passing hurts down to our cores, but I’m hoping that he at peace and that his family and friends can learn to become at peace with time.  I will miss him and never forget him.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Is. 41:10)


My condolences to all family and friends of SMSgt Crawford. I didn’t get the opportunity to get to know him well, but from experience I can tell you he cared for everyone here at the 625 OC and Network Operations Division. At the time I was assigned to the 502 CS awaiting security clearance so many in the OC barely knew my name. One night out of the blue I received a call from Senior Crawford telling me that there was a recall related to inclement weather and he wasn’t sure if anyone had contacted me. I told him I did get a call, but it was from someone at the 502nd not from anyone in the OC. I will always remember and appreciate him for making me feel like part of the OC family and for going out of his way to check on me and my family that night.  Thank you and rest in peace Sir.       

Chris will be remembered. I most admired his dedication to the Air Force and to the sound, caring way he mentored everyone...me included. I know the Airmen he assisted are grateful for his leadership, his caring and on point advice and support. Chris was key to the work performed in our division. He helped build the daily actions we take to carry out our duty. He was able to fix and enhance many aspects of our complex mission. His fingerprints are indelible in the way we carry-out our daily workload. 

He filled in as my Superintendent. I truly enjoyed working side-by-side with Chris. We had wonderful talks about life, family and hobbies. I fully trusted in Chris' ability to take outstanding care of our Airmen. I will remember his strong desire to keep me on track with his simple, kind smile.  

“But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone." Matthew 24:36

There are many ways to view this passage. For comfort, I share this in the context of a loved one's passage to Our Lord. The Father knows that day and hour. The Father was with Chris. Chris is with the Father.

I had the pleasure of having Chris work in my section for a couple of years and it was amazing! When I first met Chris in the fall of 2015, he intimidated the heck out of me! This giant of a SNCO with a stern look on his face…he was the embodiment of someone who had spent time as an MTI. I was worried he would make me drop and give him 20 pushups! After my first conversation with him, I knew we had a truly unique member…and I mean this in the best way. Chris possessed a wealth of knowledge about his job, he acted as a mentor to everyone around him—both junior and senior—and you could tell that he genuinely cared about everyone around him. Chris was extremely intelligent, articulate, and overall a highly-polished individual. He could tackle the most difficult tasks and make them look easy. One of the best things about Chris was when the work center had to tackle a complex problem, you could count on him to help bring levity to the situation when the people around him grew tired or frustrated. Whether it was a joke or story, he had the pulse of the work center and knew exactly what to say to get us to focus or just make us laugh. Another amazing thing about Chris was his artistic talent. Two years ago, he was kind enough to make a metal rose for my wife for her birthday and it turned out wonderful! A true piece of art that holds a special place in my household. If was very difficult to hear of his passing and the world is worse-off without him in it. Chris will be missed always, but he will never be forgotten. I’m thankful that I had the chance to meet and get to know him. I will never forget the UberSgt!

-Will Prentice

Crawford Family,
I had the privilege of working with Chris over the past couple of years, and I am saddened by his passing.  I just wanted to reach out and share a bit of the Chris that I knew at work... I referred to him as a "Gentle Giant" because of his height, and his demeanor.  At work he was often soft spoken, but yet he spoke with wisdom guided by his personal experiences and authority.  He was a professional.  He had integrity.  He was kind.  He looked after his Airmen.  He said what he meant, and he meant what he said.  Every now and then, he'd share a pointed (and often funny) personal opinion about politics, or current events.  Sometimes he'd take a jab at a celebrity, or an ordinary person who made the news for behaving badly...  This led me to suspect that Chris had a wicked (in a good way) sense of humor; although it was largely suppressed at work.  I also got to see a glimpse of something unexpected...  Chris the Artist (or as I referred to him: The Artist, Formally Known as Chris...)  He showed me some pictures of the intricate metallic roses he made.. I thought well there's something you don't see everyday:  --A 6+ foot tall Senior NCO with a hobby of making roses.  I guess it fit with the Gentle Giant image I had of him.  Since the news of his passing, there have been a lot of tears shed at work.  Although I wasn't the closest colleague to him, I wish I would have known he was pain, and like many, I would have gladly tried to help.  I know this has been, and will be continue to be devastating for a long time.  Please know that although I'm essentially a stranger to you personally,  Chris was a part of our Air Force family, and I'll be here to support you in any way you may feel appropriate.   

Richard Hill


There are people who enter your life that change it for the better.  Crawford was that person for me. I was beyond fortunate to have Crawford as my superintendent when I first came to the job.  Coming into a new position, you're always concerned that the person who's going to be your right hand man is really going to be the go-to kind of person that you need.  Crawford was my go-to guy... always.  From the very first day he and I just clicked.  His dedication to the mission and Airman was astounding, always gracefully pushing people forward.  His actions always had a purpose, and that purpose was always other people.  He was the true epitome of a servant leader... someone that others wanted to imitate.  There was something poetic about him.  A man who could intimidate with ease but kept it sheathed, smart yet humble, taller than everyone yet could get down to your level, serious with an undertone of humor, and a tough-as-nails instructor but a gentle artist.  In the months that we worked together I learned so many life-things from just watching him.  His ability to maneuver through tough situations, stand up for people, make light of a rough situation, and pick people up when they were down was a marvel to witness. In our personal conversations he had the ability to shed light on areas that I had not considered and teach me things without calling me out.  He always had my back... and I am thankful for that.  You will be very much missed Crawford, but the lessons you taught, the stories you shared and the example that you were to everyone around you will live on.  Rest easy my friend, and thank you for the flower you made for my wife,  it is on display in your memory.  I will miss you.

 -Capt

Last summer I was going through a tough time, and SMSgt Crawford was there for me the entire time. He gave me all the resources I needed, he always checked in on me, and always told me the suck of things doesn't last long. He always took care of his airman and I knew I could talk to him about anything and that is what I will miss the most.   

I did not know him personally, but we often said hello in the hallway at work. My sincerest condolences to his family on this terrible loss. He will be missed.

I will never forget you, sir. You had the biggest positive impact on me and my life of anyone in my entire career. I’ll never forget our mentoring sessions. You empowered our flight and gave us the confidence that we could do anything. Thank you so much. I wish the very best for your family and friends during this tough time. 


Chris you were kind, smart, and humble.  You were the stitch to our fabric of friends at Buckley AFB. You kept us together and mended our wounds. Some of my best memories were with you and our friends, our Air Force crew.  All of us grew from airman to  staff sergeants together. I love you bro and will miss you forever. Rest in Heaven Chris.
Prayers for your family and those who undoubtedly considered YOU family.

MSgt Tavius "T" English (Retired)

OBITUARY

SMSgt Christopher Lee Crawford

June 13, 1977 – September 22, 2018

Sunset Northwest Funeral Home

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