Pleasant Hill – Donald (Don) Lee Crawford, Sr., 81, of Pleasant Hill died April 1, 2021, at Parkridge Specialty Care Center in Pleasant Hill, Iowa.
Don was born May 9, 1939, in Des Moines, son of Donald and Emily Crawford. He was united in marriage to Jana Sue in 1973. Don went to work, following graduation from Des Moines Technical High School, at Armstrong Tire and Rubber. He retired after 31 years of service and then went to work for seven years for Saydel Community School District.
Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He enjoyed woodworking, home improvements, restoring cars, watching football (especially the Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes), working with Boy Scouts, and his favorite time of year was Christmas.
Don is survived by his wife, Jana Sue, and children, Mark (Angie), Rae Ann (John) Vandehaar, Donald L Jr., and David (Cindy). Also left to cherish his memory are two grandchildren, Jason (Stephanie) McNichols and Aaron Crawford, along with five great grandchildren.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Kitterman, brother Mike, and his grandson, Ryan Heithoff.
The family sincerely thanks the entire staff at Parkridge Specialty Care for the excellent care Don received while a resident there. We also thank Unity Point Hospice Care for their thoughtful final care. He was always treated with kindness and respect.
Per Don’s wish no funeral services are planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Don’s name to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, P.O. Box 57130, Des Moines, IA 50317 www.blueribbonfoundation.org, or the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, 5452 NE 22nd Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50313 www.arl-iowa.org.
