Kendall Crawford January 7, 1986 – January 18, 2010
Kendall Crawford, son of Bernard and Marla (White) Crawford, was born January 7, 1986 at the Ringgold County Hospital in Mount Ayr. He was immediately life-flighted to Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines. He came into the world a fighter and left us as a fighter. He was able to come home to his parents after 43 days. Due to health concerns, therapist and nurses were working with Kendall in his home until he moved to Children’s Habilitation Center, now known as Child Serve, in Johnston, Iowa when he was 1 1/2 years old. He started school at age three. He enjoyed attending school with the rest of the class, especially Tim Huisman’s music classes. The pet, music and recreational therapies including outings were greatly enjoyed at Child Serve.
Kendall gave much joy to all those around him, having touched the hearts of many people, including Laurie Schaa, his other mother. Since Kendall was unable to see and only vocalize, music was very meaningful to him. He would grin from ear to ear, spending many hours enjoying the band and music he got to hear.
On October 31, 2005 Kendall moved to Creston, Iowa and became a resident of Midwest Opportunities. This being his senior year he enjoyed it thoroughly. From listening to Mike Peters and his high school band, a date with his special friend and escort Kendra Anthony for prom, to his own personal high school graduation ceremony. The concert band members played for his graduation, receiving his diploma from his Uncle Rich, a board member of Creston high school, in 2006 with a reception in the high school library.
Kendall enjoyed his outings with the staff. From fishing, flying kites on windy days to going to movies, watching parades and shopping for fun. He attended Jordan’s graduation reception and Grandma Crawford’s 90th birthday.
Kendall was called home after his final fight on Monday, January 18, 2010 with his Aunt Rosemary by his side. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Willard White; paternal grandfather Bill Crawford; and two uncles Bill Beech and Robert Crawford, and his elementary music teacher, later assistant middle school principal, Tim Huisman.
Those left to cherish his memory include his parents Bernard and Marla Crawford of Mount Ayr, Iowa; brother Jordan Crawford of Mount Ayr, Iowa; maternal grandmother Darlene White of Shannon City, Iowa; paternal grandmother Catherine Crawford of Mount Ayr, Iowa; several aunts, uncles, cousins and his extended family consisting of the residents and staff at Midwest Opportunities in Creston, Iowa and Child Serve in Johnston, Iowa.
A memorial fund has been established in his name to be decided at a later date. Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangments.
Services were held at the United Methodist Church in Mount Ayr on Thursday, January 21, 2010 with Rev. Skip Rushing and Rev. Eydie Stephens officiating. Music was provided by Mike Greene, Mary Davenport and Margaret Bickers.
Casketbearers were Laura Snider, Kendra Anthony, Samantha Hays, Sherri Beitz, Joni Morris and Sharon Page.
Honorary pallbearers were Laurie Schaa, Mary Goodrich, Lynn Rinehart, Kathy Rinehart, Dr. Dwain Crain, Mike Greene, Bonnie Young, Becky Baker, Carolyn Bjustrom, Jeannette Lutrick, residents of Midwest Opportunities, past and present employees of Midwest Opportunities and past and present Employees of Child Serve.
Kendall was laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery at Mount Ayr, Iowa.
