Robert “Dennis” Crawford was born on October 3, 1939 in Durango, Colorado. He went to be with his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ on December 12, 2015.
Dennis attended schools in Colorado, California, Washington, Idaho and Montana. He graduated from Chester High School in 1957.
After High School, he attended Kinman Business University, receiving an Accounting Degree.
Dennis got a job as an Accountant and sold wholesale lumber for Burkland Studs Company in Livingston, Montana. He transferred from there to the New Elk Studs Company in West Yellowstone, Montana.
In 1960, Dennis married Patricia Ricci. Born to this union was a daughter, Christina Dianne Crawford in 1967.
Dennis enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1962. He spent 2 years at Headquarters Fifth Air Force Fuji.
Dennis was stationed in Tokyo, Japan from 1963-1965. He was transferred to Headquarters 20th Air Division at Truax Air Force Base – Madison, Wisconsin in May 1965 where he served for 18 months. He worked out of his career field being assigned to the Intelligence Division where he also was involved with NORAD.
Dennis was discharged from the United States Air Force in November 1966. He returned to Elk Studs Company after he was discharged, staying with the company until 1969.
His next endeavor was with U.S. Plywood/Champion International in Riverton, Wyoming and later he transferred to Helena in 1970. Dennis enjoyed working for the lumber companies and excelled.
Dennis started working at the Public Service Commission in Helena, Montana in 1971 and retired in 2001. While at the PSC he was responsible for the Fed/State Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Program.
He married Martha Thompson on March 5, 1977.
He served on Energy Share, One Call Center, The Governor’s Council and others as well. He made many friends at the Public Service Commission (PSC).
Dennis was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather and he will be greatly missed by many people.
Dennis was an avid HO train person, and he had many hobbies such as Football, boating, camping, fishing, snowbirding, stained glass, leatherwork, calligraphy, and was a good mechanic being able to fix most everything.
He was supportive of his children and grand-children what they did and rejoiced in their accomplishments.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Martha; his daughter Christina (Pastor Brad) Kelly and their children Kramer, Kooper and Karsen Kelly of Glendive, Montana; his step-daughter Angel (Dan) Smedley and their children, Isabelle and Alexander Smedley of Pleasanton, California.
Our family wishes to express our heartfelt thanks for Dennis’ care to the wonderful Doctors and staff at the Billings Clinic, St. Peter’s Hospital, Dr. Paustian, Dr. Thometz, Dr. Wang, Home Health Care and to Hospice for making Dennis’ days full of dignity, love, support and kindness. Dennis loved and was loved in return.
A Funeral Service will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday December 21, 2015 at Life Covenant Church, 800 N. Hoback St. A reception will follow the funeral service in the social center of the church. Burial will follow the reception at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Memorials in Dennis’ name are suggested to the donor of your choice.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Monday December 21, 2015
Life Covenant Church
800 N Hoback St
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday December 21, 2015
Life Covenant Church
800 N. Hoback Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following Reception
Monday December 21, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Monday December 21, 2015
Life Covenant Church
800 N Hoback St
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday December 21, 2015
Life Covenant Church
800 N. Hoback Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following Reception
Monday December 21, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison , Montana 59602
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Christina Kelly says
I sure miss you Dad. Love you
Jim and Joann Kelly says
May God bless all of you, during this sad time. The few times we met Dennis and Martha, we enjoyed their kindness and love for their daughters. We will miss, praying for you, Dennis, but you, are, where we all are traveling. Heaven, that mansion on the hill top is yours now. We will continue to pray for the great families, you left behind. You were a kind and caring person. With all our love, for your family, Love in Jesus, Jim and Joann Kelly.
Relinda Lindgren says
Chris,
I’m so sorry to hear this. I always remember your dad as being so very friendly and sweet to us trouble-making girls!! It seems to me he had a boatload of patience. 🙂 I know you will miss him greatly, but I am so thankful you will see him again someday. Please extend my condolences to Martha and Angel as well. Prayers to each of you.
Love, Relinda
Deb Green says
We are praying for all of you. May God give you peace and comfort in the days ahead. May the prayers of others strengthen you. Our Love – Sandy and Deb Green
Dennis E. Crawford says
My condolences to Martha and the entire family. While I did not know Dennis personally, I have felt like we knew each other over the years. Our telephone book allowed us to “know each other” on several occasions when we received each other’s phone calls. Rest in peace.
Dennis E. Crawford, Helena
Tara Knight says
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Martha. He was a very nice man who will be missed by many.
John and Anita Shontz says
God Bless and keep you all. I first met your Dad in 1981 when I served on the Transportation Committee in the Montana House of representatives. He was very knowledgeable and helpful as we were dealing with massive oil field pipeline construction in Eastern Montana. Always a professional and kind and most helpful. In the later years he was an indispensable help with the development of our large HO Milwaukee Road model collection at the Upper Musselshell Historic Society at Harlowton, Montana. The collection is the largest of its kind in the United States and would simply NOT have been possible without the advice and help of Dennis. He helped Ty so much as well. He will never be forgotten. God Bless. John and Anita Shontz
Brenda Marks says
I briefly knew Dennis when I worked as an intern for him at the PSC one summer during college but his warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on me. He was one of the most gentle and giving souls I’ve ever met. My condolences to his family – Peace be with you. Brenda (Brazier) Marks
Russ Doty says
It was a privilege to work with Dennis at the Public Service Commission when I was there in 1975 & 76. He was always kind, friendly, and competent — a credit to the PSC, government employees, and to us all. I was sorry to read of his passing.
Dan & Georgia Stinson says
It’s been a week now and I still don’t know what to say. Dennis was always one of “the train guys” who are pretty much extended family for each other. Dennis was one of the kindest and most understanding men I’ve known. He enjoyed nothing better than sitting down and telling stories, especially of his days in the lumber business. To say he will be missed is a huge understatement. There will be a little more echo in the room and it won’t be quite the same without Dennis. We will all carry on with his memory in our hearts, trusting that one day we will all meet again. We offer our condolences and sympathy to Martha and the whole family as we deal with the loss.
John and Rosemarie Tamol says
Our love and prayers are with you, Martha and family. We met Dennis and Martha many years ago when they adopted our Poodle puppy who they named “Snickers.” What a lucky puppy to find a home with them. We enjoyed our friendship through the years. Dennis was loved by so many. Such a kind gentle man. We will miss him so much. Martha, you took such fine care of Dennis. He was blessed to have you. Til we meet again dear friend, rest in paradise.
John and Rosemarie Tamol
Tom Rasmussen says
Martha and family … What a very nice funeral that was! The great turnout and wonderful words spoken reflect the impact that your family and Dennis have had on the lives of many, many people through the years.
Martha, you and Dennis parented well, what an impressive group of grandkids you have. My memory of Dennis will always be of such a gentle spirited man, modeling exactly the way that Christ would have us walk.
I pray for peace, strength and joy as you enter the next phase of your lives with Dennis now in heaven. Blessings to you all!
Sharie Noel says
I will always be grateful to Dennis.He was invaluable in helping my Dad (Ty Typolt) and myself run TY’s Trains. shop. Dennis was an avid train man. I think of him and my Dad out in the shop with all the train guys talking talking talking trains. Dennis was a kind and gentle soul. He will be missed by all of us. God bless you Martha and family.
Sharie Noel
Olen and Susan Sledge says
We are very sorry to hear about Dennis 7 months after his passing.