John Crawford

John “Scratch” Crawford, born December 20th 1946, passed away on vacation in Hawaii on January 1st 2022. He was the son of the late Evangelist Estella E. Crawford & Charles “Chappie” Crawford. He attended school in West Chester, Pa, graduating a decorated record holding athlete from Henderson Senior High School in 1964. Later he attended West Chester State University, on a full soccer scholarship, studying physical education, where he met his late wife, Wilhelmina Crawford.

John spent his childhood summers playing every sport imaginable, favorably baseball & soccer. He would often spend time at his grandparents’ house in Howelville, Pa with most of his cousins. Enamored with his love of sports especially basketball, football, baseball, and soccer, he went on to play semi pro soccer in his early twenties. He could often be found playing and coaching different community leagues around West Chester with all his friends. 

He worked for the West Chester Police department in public relations for a number of years before becoming a supervisor at Pella Door & Window company before retiring in the early 90’s.  In addition to being an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan, his interests included traveling, coaching, watching sports, following current politics, hanging out at the clubs, and exercising at the YMCA. A lot of his time was devoted to spending time with his grandchildren and teaching them at what he would refer to as “Brother E’s elementary school”.

Scratch as he was affectionately known, had an infectious lovable spirit. He was always willing to help anybody he knew and even the people he didn’t know. He also had a resilient spirit that made him determined to tackle any task set before him. He was solid in his faith in Christ, and ever so solid in his family. 

Scratch was proceeded in death by his late wife Wilhelmina Crawford, his parents Charles & Estella E. Crawford, son William “Buster” Crawford, son John Crawford Jr, sister Charlotte “Patsy” Tunnell, and brother Marshall “Sunny” Crawford. 

He is survived by his sister Kay Harrison of West Chester, PA,  son Kenneth Crawford of Bear, DE, five daughters: Carmen Crawford-Riley (Michael) of Queens, NY; Jacqueline Crawford of Bear, DE; Nicole Newsome of Wilmington, DE; Paris Morton of Houston, TX ; and Karri Crawford of Philadelphia, PA, 11 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.