Charles A. "Al" Crawford

On Tuesday, September 17, 2019, Charles Albert Crawford, loving husband and father from Plano, Texas, passed away at the age of 76.

Al was born in Burlington, Iowa, on September 24, 1942, to Charles J. and Gabrielle R. (Potts) Crawford.  He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Baltimore in 1965 and was employed by Goodyear Tire & Rubber in Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey until 1970.  In 1970, Al was hired by Chrysler Motors working in management for 30 years in the Washington, D.C., Boston, Minneapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Center Line, Detroit and Dallas Zones.  On August 10, 1968, he married Marsha Bartles. They raised three children.

Al was a car enthusiast and avid sports fan, cheering on his favorite teams, the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Stars.  When he was younger, Al enjoyed boating and fishing and courted his soon-to-be wife on Middle River, teaching her the finer points of water skiing.  A devotee of pop music dating back to his college days, he managed The Dynamics, a local band.  After retiring from Chrysler in 2000, Al was instrumental in organizing The Baltimore Jam, a reunion of 60s R&B bands.  Al was known for his infectious smile, gusto, leadership, and kindness.

Preceded in death by his father, Chuck, his mother, Gay, and beloved aunt, Harriet Potts Vandermaas, Al is survived by his wife, Marsha Crawford; children, Carolyn Crawford of Plano, Texas, Mollie Russell (Philip) of Draper, Utah and Charles M. Crawford of Frisco, Texas; grandchildren, Gabi, Cate, Max and Will Russell and his brother, David J. Crawford (Barbara) of Vero Beach, Florida.

There will be a celebration of Al’s life at a date to be announced.  According to his wishes, Al’s ashes will be interred in Maryland and Iowa along with those of his faithful furry friends, Pepper and Hondo.  Because he loved the Bay, if you would like to make a donation to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Al’s honor, please click on this link: Tribute donation form.