Gilbert “Smokey” Crawford, 88, of Burlington, died Monday, February 21, 2022, at Oak View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Burlington.
Born September 2, 1933, on the family farm in Winfield, Iowa he was the son of Ellis Martin and Alice Rosella “Rosie” Williams Crawford. He was a 1951 graduate of Winfield High School.
He married Joan Marie Swanson on February 19, 1956; they later divorced. He then married Celia Mae Perkins on September 3, 1988.
Smokey grew up on the family farm and later worked for Benner Tea-Whitewater Warehouse, Aldi and S&H, finally retiring after 50 years of trucking.
He enjoyed taking family camping vacations, catch and release fishing, wintering in Florida, bulldogs, spending time with his coffee buddies, and taking trips with his grandkids. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs fan and loved homemade ice cream.
He is survived by his wife Celia Crawford of Burlington; children, Steven Crawford, Pamela Crawford, Linda Crawford, Denise Burgus, Howard (Valerie) Burgus, Lisa Burgus (Steve) Murphy and Gail (Larry) Lange; grandchildren, Colleen, Brian (Kelly), Lena (Riley), Kara, Alison, Daniel, Josh, Jessica (David), Stephanie (Mike), Joel, Molly, Shannon, Brenna, Brennan, Rachel, Aiden, Charlotte, and Kaden; great-grandchildren, Asher, Jaxon Douglas, Eden, Evan, Alena, Warren, and Sterling; fur grandson,“Boo”; and sister-in-law Margery Hasbrouck; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Bonnie Mae Crawford LaVeine, and sister-in-law Lois Wiegard.
The funeral service for Smokey will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 28 at Lunning Chapel. The Rev. Shane McCampbell will officiate. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the funeral service. Cremation will be accorded following the funeral service. Inurnment will be held in Winfield-Scott Cemetery, Winfield, Iowa.
A memorial has been established for West Burlington Methodist Church.