Gerald “Jerry” R. Crawford went to be with the Lord On Sunday, September 27 at the age of 89. Jerry passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio. During his stay at the BRC, he was lovingly cared for by the nurses and aides who were drawn in by his kind and gentle nature even when he was not feeling his best. He was born on April 3, 1937, to Gerald and Velma Crawford. After graduating from Greenville High School, Jerry joined the United States Marine Corps in 1955. The military moved him to Southern California. where he met the love of his life, Darolyn Peters, and they were married on February 15, 1958, the day after he was honorably discharged.
Jerry worked as a truck driver for over 50 years in California and Ohio. Darolyn joined him for several of those years as they took loads to all 48 contiguous states. Faith and family were his highest priorities. He worked hard to raise their four children and attended First Assembly of God in Greenville for many years. More recently, he and Darolyn became faithful members of The Family Worship Center, Jimmy Swaggart Ministries in Baton Rouge, LA. In retirement, he loved to mow grass at his own property as well as his family’s, and he did it meticulously. He could also work a 1,000-piece puzzle in a weekend and saved many of them which now hang as works of art in his children’s homes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his granddaughter, Kristina Marie Crawford, brothers-in-law, Dan Peters and Harold Carothers and sister-in-law, Donna Meyer. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Darolyn (Peters) Crawford, his sons, Jeff (Linda) Crawford of Greenville, Randy (Cindy) Crawford of Arcanum, Lori (Kevin) MacKenzie of Greenville, and Scott (Angie) Crawford of Orient, Ohio. He leaves seven grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren, and is also survived by his sister, Sondra Carothers, his brother, Phil (Roberta) Crawford, who all reside in Greenville, and his brother-in-law, Herman Meyer and sister-in-law, Dee Hicks, both of California.
A celebration of Gerald’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville Campus.
Guests may visit with Gerald’s family on Saturday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mote Cemetery with full military honors.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Brethren’s Retirement Community Residents Aid Fund or Everheart Hospice.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.tributefuneralhomes.com.
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.
