Rick Crawford

Rick Crawford, 90 of Branson, MO

Memorial services for Rick Crawford, 90 of Branson, will be Friday, August 13, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. in Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, Branson.  Interment will follow at 12:00 P.M. in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield.

Major John Richard "Rick" Crawford, USAF (Ret.) was born in Hobbs, New Mexico on July 8, 1931.  He was the son of John C. and Mildred Crawford.  Rick grew up in Texas and graduated from Lubbock High School and attended Texas Tech in Lubbock prior to enlisting in the Air Force.  On September 2, 1951, he married the love of his life, Anita Beth Crawford at Asbury Methodist Church in Lubbock.  Rick served his country with distinction for eight years as an enlisted airman and rest of his 26-year career as a regular commissioned officer.  He was a writer, playwright, artist, teacher, mentor, lifelong learner, loving husband and cherished father.

Rick and Beth moved to Branson from Omaha, Nebraska in 1981.  Rick was active in the local American Legion Post and at the state level.  He held several offices including Post Commander and Commander of Missouri's 17th District.  He was the founder and Chairman of the Branson Veterans Task Force for several years.  He served as a member of the Honor Guard of the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma.  Rick was a member of Branson United Methodist Church.

He is preceded in death by his wife Beth and survived by their children, Leesa Verdot (Jack) of Hollister, Scott Crawford (Carrie) of Scribner, NE, Lynnda Synovec (David) of Amherst, NE, Lauri Douglas of Huntsville, AL; sixteen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren along with many friends.