Russell Neal Crawford

Russell Crawford, 66, of Unionville, MO, passed away suddenly at his home on Friday, May 5, 2017.

Russell Neal Crawford was born in Centerville, IA, on May 17, 1950, the son of Victor Neal and Dorothy Irene (Law) Crawford, who preceded him in death. Russell was reared in Putnam County and graduated from Unionville High School in 1968. He married Linda Marie Scott in Unionville on September 8, 1968, and she survives at home. Russell served for six years as a heavy equipment operator in the Iowa National Guard. He also worked for Murl Husted at Husted Funeral Home and Husted Hardware in Unionville. He worked for Skelgas in Unionville for 20 years, serving as manager when the business closed. Russell was a Transportation Specialist for PSF for seven years and then worked at Tico Manufacturing as a truck driver for eight years before ill health forced him to retire.

Russell was engaged in farming for his entire life, raising cattle on the family farm that has been in the family since the Civil War. He was passionate about cars and tractors and liked to tinker with vehicles and farm equipment. Russell was an avid collector and liked to attend farm auctions, often coming home with boxes full of “treasures.” He loved to socialize with friends in the community and share stories. He enjoyed playing cards and loved history. Russell was very patriotic and would often buy coffee for veterans at local restaurants. He followed the St. Louis Cardinals and was a devoted fan of Putnam County Midget football. Most of all he loved his family and made family vacations a special event in their lives.

Russell was a three term Unionville city councilman, a member of the Special Road District and on the board of the Putnam County Museum. He was a member of the local Masonic Lodge #210, Moila Shrine and the First Christian Church in Unionville.

In addition to his wife, Russell is survived by his two sons, Ryan Neal (Christy) Crawford and Rustin Scott (Hether) Crawford, both of Nashville, TN. His grandchildren, whom he dearly loved and enjoyed, are Kylee and Gavin Crawford and Randi and Riley Crawford. Russell’s surviving brothers are Robert (Cynthia) Crawford of Marshall, MO, Roland (Renee Lafoe) Crawford of Phoenix, AZ, and Roger (Brenda) Crawford of Unionville, MO; his surviving sister is Marsha (Andy) Anderson of Springfield, MO. He is also survived by two brothers-in-law, Jeffrey (Luan) Scott and Chad Scott, by several nieces and nephews, by extended family, whom he loved as brothers, J. Ed, Patrick, Craig, Phillip, and Steve O’Reilly, and by a close group of friends.

Beside his parents, Russell was preceded in death by a sister, Vickie Swann, a stillborn brother, Robin Crawford and his Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Kenneth and Delores Scott.

Funeral services for Russell Crawford will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 13, 2017. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 pm on Friday, May 12. Cremation will follow the service and burial will be at a later date.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorials for Russell Crawford are suggested to the Union Cemetery, the Unionville Cemetery or the Putnam County Museum and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565