Gary James Crawford of Topeka, KS died peacefully, surrounded by family, Sunday, May 25, 2025. He was a loving husband, a great Dad, and a very proud grandfather.
Gary was born April 30, 1942 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Edward James Crawford and Lena Violet Schleif. He had a brother, Edward Eugene, and a sister, Margaret Marie. His family lived in Oklahoma City, St Joseph, MO, Lawrence, KS, and Ottawa, KS.
Gary married Linda Carole Armour, October 14, 1966. They had two children, Cheryl Lynn and Jennie Elizabeth. Gary was employed as a produce manager at Safeway, Butners IGA, Harry’s IGA, Mel Falley’s Inc, and Falley’s/Food 4 Less, retiring after 36 years of service.
He bought his beloved 1963 Ford Falcon Sprint right as he retired, a car just like the previous one he had bought brand new. Linda and Gary enjoyed driving the Falcon to car shows and attending Saturday Night Cruises in Topeka. Gary was President of the Ford Performance Club of Topeka for many years
After retirement, Gary worked at Dillons part time and drove for Capital City Nissan. Gary loved KU basketball, had a lifelong fascination with trains, and enjoyed curating the roses in his garden, as well as playing golf and attending Wednesday breakfast with a group from Falley’s/Food 4 Less. Gary loved to drive anywhere, and Linda and Gary had visited all 50 states and cruised the St Lawrence Seaway and the Rhine.
Gary is survived by his wife Linda, daughters Cheryl Savoie (Jeff Chevalier) and Jennie Daughenbaugh (Marshall), and his granddaughter Grace Elizabeth Savoie as well as his brother Edward.
Union Station in Kansas City has always had a special connection to Gary. He remembered going there with his dad who was working as a postal clerk in the Railway Post Office (RPO) car behind the Santa Fe Super Chief engine. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Union Station, 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108 in his memory would be welcomed.
A Celebratoin of Life Memorial will be held from 1:00 pm until 4:00 PM Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the Lake Shawnee Shelter House #3.
