William Crawford, Jr.
November 09, 2016
William Francis Crawford Jr of Clive passed away Wednesday, November 9, at Taylor House Hospice. He was born to Dorothy Hoyne Crawford and William Francis Crawford on March 5, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri. This began his lifelong love for the St. Louis Cardinals. After moving to Des Moines in sixth grade, he graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1964.
After four fun years at the University of Iowa and membership in Phi Delta Theta fraternity, Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Viet Nam. Upon returning home, he went into a mutual fund statistical data business with his father. Eventually they sold their company to Micropal Ltd of London, England. In 1997 Standard and Poors purchased this division of Micropal. Bill retired as the U.S. Controller/Financial Project Manager for U.S. Fund Services Division of Standard and Poors in 2007.
Bill married Maggie Hill in 1974. They have two daughters: Michelle (Paul) Neumann of Naperville, Illinois, and Lindsey (Matt) Motsenbocker of Clive. He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Alivia, Mason, Charlie, Madelyn, and Kate. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Judi Schreck; niece, Dana Smith; and uncle, Francis Hoyne.
Bill was the ideal father for two daughters. He was actively involved in their lives and is remembered by many as the perfect “dance dad,” most supportive coach, fun loving church youth group chaperone, and a reliable chauffeur for his girls and their friends. Bill’s love for his family continued on with his grandchildren’s lives, and he was their No. 1 fan. From swim meets to baseball games, soccer games to dance recitals, Papa was there.
Bill left his family with much wisdom; he emulated patience, forgiveness, and acceptance. Until the end, he remained humble and kind. Bill’s legacy as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend will live in the hearts of many forever.
Bill was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, International Association of Financial Planners, Kiwanis, and American Legion.
Special thanks are extended to Drs. Mark Westberg, Shawn Hancock, Daniel Kollmorgen, and Robert Isaac for their ongoing support and loving medical care.
Family will greet friends and relatives Sunday, November 13, at Hamiltons on Westown Parkway from 4 – 7 p.m. Services will be held Monday, November 14, at Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove, in Des Moines at 11 a.m. with a luncheon following. Burial of his cremains will conclude the activities at Highland Memory Gardens.
Memorials may be given in Bill’s memory to Grace United Methodist Church or Taylor House Hospice.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Dwight Christman & Bill Mahler
11/17/2016
Maggie and family, so sorry to hear about Bills passing. Cherish your good memories of Bill as you go through the healing process.
Sonja Hunt
11/13/2016
Marge, I was saddened to learn this morning of Bill's passing. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathy.
Marlene and Tim Wilkerson
11/13/2016
Thinking of all if you today and offering our love and support. It's so hard to lose a good friend and a good man. Praying for strength in the coming days.
Marlene and Tom.
Judy Sprague
11/13/2016
My sincere sympathy to
Maggie, Michelle & Lindsey His dear family. Bills Guardian Angel be wth his girls always. Amen.
John Freeland
11/11/2016
Carolyn and I are sorry for your loss.Bill was a good friend. I met him through church and then started a men's bridge group lasting years. We played golf and have fond memories of playing Waveland Golf Course. He was a great guy and I enjoyed being around him. Our good wishes and thoughts go with your family. I am sorry we can not be with you as we are in Texas now visiting Jean.
Ken Burgess
11/11/2016
Maggie, I am sorry for your families loss. I only met Bill a few times and he was easy to talk to and I could tell he loved his family etc... My thoughts are with you during this time.
Debbie Westphal Swander
11/11/2016
I have many fond memories of chatting with your dad when he came to the studio to pay Carrie for "his girls" lessons. He was consummately humble, kind, and bursting with pride~the quintessential "Dance Magic Dad." It was easy to see his love for his family in his face, in his heart, and in his dedication. He was always there when you needed him. May it give you comfort to know that you were there for him when he needed you most. Love, always.
Ernie Inman
11/11/2016
Bill was one of the kindest, gentlest men that I have ever had the privilege to know and work with. I have missed seeing his smiling face every morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in Peace, Bill, you were already an angel while here on earth.
Kate Parker Johnson
11/10/2016
What a Beautiful Difference One Life Made.
Rest In Peace, Bill.