Vernon Crawford

1937 - 2026

VERNON CRAWFORD

July 12, 1937 – January 19, 2026

Vernon Crawford of Wasco CA passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19th at the age of 88. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 38 years Wanda, brothers Omar, Daryl and Delbert and parents C.O. and Dolly. He is survived by his son Greg (Krista) Crawford, daughter Lori (Kevin) Forney, daughter Jennifer (Andrew) Vallat; grandchildren Kara (Jason) Coleman, Brandon Forney, Geoff (Liza) Crawford, Greg Crawford, Kelcey Crawford, Garrett Evans; great-grandchildren Gray and Miri Coleman and Loxley Crawford; and his sister Wanda Burrell along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Vernon was born on July 12, 1937, in Wasco, CA to C.O. and Dolly Crawford. His parents settled in Wasco to farm row crops having migrated pre-dustbowl from Texas and Oklahoma looking for a better opportunity. Vernon and his brothers and sister worked along side their parents when they were not in school, growing up in a close-knit family. Vernon graduated from Wasco High School in 1955 where he was both FFA president and WHS president. He then attended Bakersfield Jr. College where he met his future wife Wanda Nale, who was also from Wasco. Upon graduation in 1957 Vernon headed to Fresno State to pursue a degree in Agronomy. He married Wanda in March of 1959 and graduated from Fresno in December of 1959. Vernon and Wanda moved back to Wasco in 1961 where he began farming with his father as C.O. Crawford and Son. He also subsequently in 1967 took a job as a Pest Control Advisor with S. A. Camp Fertilizer and Insecticide Co. that would later become Wilbur Ellis in 1972. Vernon was deeply committed to CA agriculture, and his Kern County roots. He dedicated himself to forming deep relationships with his growers and helping them produce the best crops possible. He loved the Agricultural Industry, always staying on the cutting edge of new information. He retired from Wilbur Ellis at 77 after 42 years of service but remained farming on his home property.

Vernon leaves behind his treasured family and friends that will miss him dearly. Vernon's influence touched every person he interacted with in so many positive ways - this is his legacy that will live on. A celebration of a "Life well Lived" for Vern from Kern will be held at the Wasco Elks Lodge on March 21st, 2026, at 9:30 am.

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