Charles L. “Luke” Crawford, 88, of Odin passed away Monday, January 31, 2022, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. Luke was proud of his Patoka roots, where he was born and raised. He graduated from Patoka High School in 1952 where he valued the friendships he made. He loved his country and served with honor in the United States Army. As a proud United States Army veteran, he was a member of the VFW and American Legion. He attended the Sandoval United Methodist Church where he was a member. Luke was no stranger to hard work, preferring to keep busy and wanting nothing more than to always supply the very best for his family. He began his career as a carman for the Illinois Central Railroad for 20 plus years, while also co-owning and operating Fairman Meat Processing on Highway 51 north of Sandoval. He farmed from a young age sewing and harvesting wheat, corn, and beans, and caring for the farm’s hogs. Luke kept things running smoothly while working for the Illinois Department of Transportation until his retirement.
To support the community, Luke served as a board member for the Sandoval School Board for many years. The Crawford home was a warm, inviting place where Luke and his wife Barbara loved to host their family for every holiday and birthday, as his family was his heart and making memories with them was of the greatest importance. He was a wonderful friend who always offered a smile and a listening ear, whether it be with his buddies enjoying Saturday morning coffee or exercising. Luke had an amazing ability to make everyone feel respected, welcome and comfortable. He never met a stranger.
After retirement Luke enjoyed working outdoors, tending to his yard and flowers. In his early years, he was an avid bowler who bowled many great sets while on Wednesday Bowling League.
To say Luke loved his family dearly was an understatement as he showered each of them with love, support, and gentle wisdom. He never missed any family activity or ballgame, beaming with pride as he watched his children and grandchildren grow and succeed. Luke truly leaves a legacy of kindness, generosity, tenacity, and love that will continue on for generations to come.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Rev. Mike Hall and Kenneth Hayden officiating. Interment will follow at Patoka City Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by the Patoka American Legion Post 543. Friends are welcome to a visitation time from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 4, 2022, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in Luke’s honor to Sandoval United Methodist Church or Patoka City Cemetery. Online condolences and memories of Luke may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of Luke Crawford with arrangements.
He married his sweetheart and best friend, Barbara Simpson at Marshall Creek Church in 1956 and she survives in Odin. Along with his beloved wife of 65 years, Barbara Crawford, survivors that will remember Luke’s gentle way of caring for his family include his children Myrna (Steve) Speiser of Odin, Stephen (Holli) Crawford of Centralia, Carla (Steve “Slug”) Gambill of Odin, Gary (Paige) Crawford of Kansas City, Missouri, Laura (Matt) Carter of Sandoval, and Paula (Kenner) Saatkamp of Sandoval; grandchildren Jason Speiser, Justin (Annie) Speiser, Kyle Crawford, Tyler (Megan) Crawford, Christian Crawford, Madison Crawford, Stephanie (Jason) Rhodes, Derek (Sherry) Gambill, Jered Gambill (friend Jeret), Kade Gambill, Levi Crawford (fiancée Carissa), Cody Crawford, Tiffany (Kaleb) Flanagan, Kelsey Carter (fiancé Caley) , Caleb Carter (fiancée Alissia), Krista Carter, Chloe Carter, Colten Saatkamp (girlfriend Jayde), and Kenzi Saatkamp (fiance Colton); great-grandchildren Owen, Reid, Luke, Raelee, Keylee, Crue, Presley, Brynlee, Ava, Cooper, Liam, Brooke (Dan), Briley, Brynn, Hudson, Holden, Ryder, Carson, Quinnley, Saige, Kyra, baby Flanagan due in September, and baby Carter due in March; great-great-grandchildren Sutton and Rowan.
He was born on January 5, 1934, the son of Frank and Etta Mae (Walker) Crawford at his family’s home in Patoka. Luke was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Frank Crawford, Katherine Mayer, Bob Crawford, Esther Guzzardo, Ruth Crawford, Paul Crawford, Pauline Lutz, and Florence Ticknor; grandchild Ashley Crawford; and great-grandchild Kaeson Crawford.
