H. Wayne Crawford, age 90, passed away peacefully on Monday June 2, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on February 4, 1935, in Moran, Texas, to parents John Howard Crawford and Pearl Dix Crawford.
As the son of a Methodist minister, Wayne’s family frequently relocated to towns across West Texas in order to support his dad’s career. When Wayne’s dad was asked to relocate once again before Wayne’s senior year of high school, his parents arranged for him to live with close family friends so he could graduate with his classmates from Stanford High School.
After graduating from Stanford High School, Wayne began his life-long dream of becoming a doctor, attending McMurray University in Abilene, TX. While at McMurray, Wayne met the love of his life Myra whom he married one week after graduation in 1956. Soon after they wed, the newlyweds moved to Houston, Texas where Wayne attended Baylor College of Medicine. Always the dedicated student, Wayne scheduled a weekly date with Myra at the Howard Johnson’s where they enjoyed fried clams and ice cream sundaes, spent Saturday with the family, church on Sunday then back to the books on Sunday afternoon.
Upon graduation, Wayne began his residency in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. Wayne was fortunate to train under heart surgery pioneers Dr. Michael DeBakey and Dr. Denton Cooley.
During his residency, Wayne was drafted into the United States Navy and was assigned to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. At the end of his service, Wayne returned to Houston to complete his medical training.
Upon completion his residency, Wayne and Myra moved to San Antonio where Wayne began a long career caring for many patients across San Antonio. Wayne went above and beyond caring for every patient with compassion and respect. He even gave out his home phone number to his patients and their families and told them to call anytime if they had any questions. And, when the family house phone rang, he answered the phone, day or night.
Wayne was a member and held various positions in several professional organizations, was a devoted member of Alamo Heights Methodist Church, and a member of Oak Hills Country Club. Wayne was known for his love of golf, skiing in Colorado, travelling and spending time with his family and friends. Wayne and Myra lived in San Antonio for 57 years where they raised their family and made many life-long friends. Wayne was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great- grandfather, and a friend to many. He will be deeply missed.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Myra Jean Moody Crawford, and son, Mark Wayne Crawford. Wayne is survived by daughters, Karen Jackson (Richard), and Lisa Tompson (Chris); grandchildren, Kelly Bess (Ethan), Kevin Jackson, Caroline Tompson, Matthew Tompson, and Jack Tomspon; and great-grandchildren, Whitney Bess and Sawyer Bess.
The memorial service will be a private ceremony, remembering Wayne in the presence of close family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Alamo Heights United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.
