The Excelsior Standard, Nov. 14, 2025

Raymond Leon Crawford of Excelsior Springs passed away Nov. 8, 2025, at home.

He was born Dec. 16, 1957, to Nancy Marie Cooper. He graduated in 1976 from Excelsior Springs High School.

He spent his career as a mechanic in Excelsior Springs, finally retiring from Excelsior Springs Hospital as a maintenance man.

Raymond enjoyed fishing, camping, cooking and baking for family and friends, and spending time with his grandkids.

Raymond was baptized in 2015 and was a member of Salem Christian Union Church, where he considered knowing God as one of his greatest accomplishments in life.

He touched the lives of many with his undeniable wit and charm, profound sense of humor and outgoing personality. He cared deeply about his family and friends, as well as his church family, which he built great friendships with.

He is survived by his wife, Jamie Crawford, whom he married in 1983. Together, he and Jamie built a family together that he was so proud of.

He also leaves behind his son, Kyle Crawford (Cecilia) and grandson, Lino Crawford; a son, Cody Crawford (Karissa); a granddaughter, Natalie Crawford; his grandsons, Maddox Crawford and Diesel Hoffman; a daughter, Erin Crawford; a granddaughter, Alaze Crouse; and his grandsons, Dylan Crawford, Deveryn Cox and Jaidyn Crouse. Other survivors include his nine great-grandkids; brother, Wes (Brenda); and sisters-in-law, Linda Dunkle, Christa Walker, Valerie King, Alison (Tony) Woods and Shelia Thompson, all of whom he considered sisters. In addition, he leaves his childhood best friend, Shane Beckwith, whom he considered a brother; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Marie Cooper; mother and father-in-law, Hazel and Lee Roy Thompson; sisters, Joyce Ables, Jessie Rowlett and Billie Ware; and brothers, Frank and Tom Crawford.

Raymond fought a long hard battle with illnesses, but never lost his ability to love and care deeply for the ones he loved. He will be missed tremendously.

He will be honored in a private family burial. There will be no public service.