Colonel David Fadner Crawford of Picayune, age 78, very peacefully passed away February 1, 2007, in Poplarville, Mississippi.

David was born on April 4, 1928 in Mansfield, Ohio, to Sidney J. Crawford and Isabel J. Huff Crawford.

David attended school in Mansfield, Ohio, Crane Missouri and graduated from Stockston High School in Stockston, California, after which he was employed at the Paramount Manufacturing Company in Shafter, California.

On October 3, 1946, David joined the U.S. Air Force. Serving at Randolph Air Force Base and Elmendorf Air Force Base. David received his Honorable Discharge and chose to stay in Alaska and work for Pacific Air Motives. David later returned to California to attend college and work. David moved to Florida to work as an Oceanographer for a few years. Then, working for Global Associates in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, also in Viet Nam, Korea, Turkey, Germany, Egypt, and Saigon. David spoke both Arabic and Russian fluently.

David and his wife traveled to many countries: Wales, England, Greece, Holland, Egypt, Hong Kong, Africa, and many other countries.

After his retirement from Global Associates, David was employed by NASA as a Quality Control Engineer, at Stennis Space Center working on Space Shuttle engines. David worked for Stennis for over 20 years, retiring to be a Gentleman Farmer, only to turn all his time and talents to The Sons of Confederate Veterans, where he was affectionately known as Colonel Dave.

Commander Dave was in charge of many projects including being a Charter Member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a long-time Camp Commander, he was the Head Honcho for the Historic Red Hill Cemetery Restoration, he won the MS Division Heritage Preservation Award for his work on the Red Hill project. David also attended State Conventions, National Conventions, and all of our local Street Fairs that occur twice a year. He helped organize and then attended all Memorial Services. David also helped to install Confederate Tombstones at both Red Hill and John Wheat Cemeteries. David also worked tirelessly on the Gainsville Volunteers State Historical Marker and even went to Hattiesburg to help pick it up. He negotiated with NASA for months before it became clear that NASA simply would not allow anything Confederate on NASA property.

David worked tirelessly on the State Flag fight in 2001. He even composed a poem about keeping the 1896 MS flag which read in part:

“Mississippi Flag”

Here I am, all faded and worn.

For 107 years, o’er Mississippi I’ve flown.

But there are those in this beautiful State

Who, in ignorance, want to decide my fate.

I have been faithful and flown with pride.

There is no honor to those who cast me aside.

Colonel Dave is survived by his Beloved, Billie June Havard Crawford of Magnolia Care Center. Sherry Juneau, her son Michael Juneauand Great-Grandson M.J. Juneau. Son Terry L. Cutrer, wife Pam, and Granddaughters Emily and Madlyn.

Dave’s daughters, Telisa Ahn and Grandson Taylor Ahn. Sheryl O’Neal and Granddaughters Meagan, Jessica, and Mallory O’Neal.

Sister Barbara Crawford LeDoux and children Robert, Barbara, Tudy, Ihierry, Angie, Andre’, Michele, Elizabeth, and D’Arcy LeDoux.

Sister Rosa Lee Mott and children, Peggy Peterson, Marcie Dickey, and preceding in death were Pamela Tidewell and Joseph Mot.

Sister Mary J. Crawford Blanset and Husband William C. Blanset and children Scott, Ken, Bill, Tammie, and Ramona. Keyomi, Kiarra, and Bill Blanset.

Brother Sidney Crawford’s children Alan, Bonnie, Kitty, and Robin Crawford.

Dave will be missed by his dear friends: John Williams, Jerry and Myrtes Crain, Chuck Nunez, Joann Achord who helped so much during Dave’s illness, Wilma Venable, and Hazel Allen.

A special thank you to Dr. Terrance Johnson, Dr. Jones, The Highland Hospital and Staff of Hattiesburg, Pearl River County Hospital, the Swing Bed Ward staff, Magnolia Care Home Staff and Brenda Hoda. The Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 373.

Dave was an adventurer and traveled many places others only dream about.

Sincerely,

Mary J. Crawford Blanset and Family

Bro. James McCraney will officiate at the service.

Visitation will be on February 10, 2007 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the McDonald Funeral Home

Services will be held at 12 p.m. in the McDonald Funeral Home Chapel

A Confederate Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on February 10, 2007 in the New Palestine Cemetery

Burial will be on Monday, February 12, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. in the Biloxi VA National Cemetery