Clem Crawford

Clem K. Crawford, 78, Topeka, Kansas, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully, his wife at his side, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, of Lewy Body Dementia. Clem was born July 31, 1946, in Oklahoma City, the adopted son of Frank and Violet Gunning Crawford. He grew up in Enid, Oklahoma, graduating from Enid High School in 1964. Clem served our country honorably in the US Air Force from 1964 to 1968. In 1968, Clem and Victoria Flowers were united in marriage at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chanute, Kansas, enjoying 57 years together. Clem was employed by Southwestern Bell/ AT&T from 1968 until he retired in 2002. He was a former member of Holy Name Catholic Church for many years and a current member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council No. 8059 and the James W. Gibbons Fourth Degree Assembly. A good provider, Clem would do anything and drive anywhere to attend the children’s events. He remodeled their large older home and was able to cook pancakes and eggs if needed. Clem was an avid sports fan and he and Vicki were Friends of Washburn University with season tickets to Washburn basketball for years, making many friends during that time. Clem made friends easily everywhere he went. He enjoyed fly fishing in Colorado and Branson, made the best assorted chocolates at Christmastime and was a volunteer extraordinaire. The Knights of Columbus, Hayden High School, Holy Name Church and St. Francis Hospital were some of the organizations that benefitted through Clem’s dedicated assistance. He loved to travel and was exceptionally adept at packing the car for those trips – think Clark Griswold. Clem knew when to be gentle, when to be certain, when to be direct and when to step back and observe. It could be said of Clem, “He lived a good life with a maximum of luck, did little harm and was pleased to have been here.” Clem’s large circle of friends and family would agree with that description and more, and will miss him dearly. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Vicki; daughter, Christina M Holladay (Darren); son, Ryan W. Crawford (Teresa Reicherter); grandchildren, Jordan, Emma, Jane, Elizabeth and Quin; his sister, Delena Newman; nieces, nephews; and several cousins. Clem received excellent care and his family is most grateful to Oakley Place of Topeka and Midland Care. Family will greet friends from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, August 7, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, when the rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, August 8, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Burial of Clem’s cremains will be at a later date in Chanute, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Midland Care or Most Pure Heart of Mary Church.

Clem Crawford

July 31, 1946 - July 29, 2025