Russell Crawford

Russell Raymond Crawford ~ July 24, 1935 – December 1, 2021 Russell Crawford of Dearborn, MI, with the grace of God, died peacefully at the age of 86 on December 1st, in the comfort of his home. Russ was born in Detroit, attended Holy Redeemer High School where he met his future bride. After high school he enlisted and served for two years in the United States Army as a Paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division. He returned home to Detroit and married Barbara Baranski, his lifelong partner of 56 years until her death in 2013. Together they raised five children: Mark Crawford (Debbie), of Lakeland, FL; Marty Crawford (Patsy), of Onsted, MI; Kelly Ceely (Jim), floating residence; Kim Caruso (Dan), of Land O’ Lakes, FL; Kari Crawford, of San Antonio, TX. In addition to his children, he is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Metras, five grandchildren: Ashley Youngheim (Ben), Russell Crawford, Natalie Caruso, Julie Caruso, Sienna Crawford, many dear friends, cousins, and a lot of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents George and Marion, wife Barbara, brother Samuel (Ed), sister Yvonne (Bonnie), and granddaughter Brittany Marie Crawford. He was a professional truck driver and a proud member of Teamsters Local 229. After 38 accident-free years of hard work Russ was fortunate to retire at the enviably young age of 57. Russ and Barb were then able to live the dream of being snowbirds, heading south for the winter, to Lakeland, Florida, where Schalamar Creek Golf and Country Club would be home for six months of each year. They enjoyed sunsets, golf and many clubhouse dances during their golden years together. During the summer months, it was back to the famous “party house” in Dearborn, where they hosted fun-filled gatherings over the years: playing cards, watching sporting events, singing karaoke, pumpkin carving contests, chili cook offs, and quite a few backyard birthday parties. On Wednesdays, it was off to play golf with his close knit high school buddies, returning home at o’dark-thirty. Russ was very well loved for his charming and witty personality, kept everyone smiling. He had a large circle of friends both in Michigan and Florida that he enjoyed immensely. He had an enduring love for those closest to him. He was a force for good. A viewing will be held between 3:00pm – 7:00pm, on on December 10, 2021 at Martenson Funeral Home in Allen Park, MI (10915 Allen Road, Allen Park MI 48101). A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on December 11, 2021 at St. Kateri Catholic Church in Dearborn, MI (16101 Rotunda, Dearborn MI 48126). He will lie instate from 10:00am – 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in memory of Russ’ granddaughter who passed away on December 1, 2002, she was 16 years old. The Funeral Mass will be live streamed beginning at 11:00am. You can watch it via the St Kateri website or the St Kateri Facebook page. Website: www.stkateridearborn.org Facebook: St Kateri Church of Dearborn