"Matt Ireland lit a candle in memory of Leonard L Crawford"
In loving memory of
Leonard L Crawford
May 21, 1923 - October 5, 2014
Leonard L. Crawford, 91, of Humboldt, Iowa, died Sunday, October 5th, 2014 at the Humboldt Care Center North.
Born May 21st, 1923 near the small Page County Iowa village of Hawleyville, he was the son of O. Homer and Lola R. Crawford. He married Eleanor Bordner in 1943. In 1977 he married Pauline Lamprecht, who passed away in 2012.
Mr. Crawford lived his entire life in Iowa. Having graduated Clarinda High School, Clarinda, Iowa, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa and a Master of Arts Degree from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado.
He devoted 44 years to the education of Iowa boys and girls, 18 years as a classroom teacher and 26 years as an elementary school administrator. He retired in 1988 from the Central Lee Community Schools where he was serving as an elementary principal.
Leonard was a member of the Iowa Association of School Administrators, the Southeast Iowa Elementary Principals Association, a life member of the National Education Association, had served on the State Board of the Iowa Association of Disabled Children, a past member of the Montrose Lions, a member of the American Association of Retired Persons, and a member of the First Lutheran Church, Keokuk.
Survivors include: one daughter, Lynn Pattee, Humboldt, Iowa; one son, Steven Crawford, Charles City, Iowa; two step-sons, D. Edward Lamprecht, Dayton, Ohio, and Gary Lamprecht, Onalaska, Wisconsin; two brothers, Donald, from Arizona and Keith, Denison, Iowa; two sisters, Iris Carmichael, Clarinda, Iowa and Doris Cates, Oklahoma; two grandsons, two granddaughters, two step-grandsons, one step-granddaughter, four great grandsons, one great granddaughter, one great grandchild on the way, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother Robert, sister Barbara and great grandson Alex.
Tributes
"Matt Klumper lit a candle in memory of Leonard L Crawford"
"Joy Burgess Groseclose lit a candle in memory of Leonard L Crawford"
"Dana Vice Scott lit a candle in memory of Leonard L Crawford"
"I never had Mr. Crawford as a teacher when he was in Avoca, Iowa many,many years ago. His daughter is my sister-in-law and his son was in my grade school class in Avoca before they moved. He was an honorable man who dedicated his life to education. Prayers and sympathy to his entire family."
"I got the unique priviledge to grow up next door to Mr. Crawford, at my grandparents home. It seemed as though everytime I looked up he and Pauline were outside meticulously grooming their yard. I also remember him helping me with my Algebra homework (time and time again). Mr. Craword was always happy to see you, having a real interest of how you were doing. Even though I have grown up and moved away. A sad day for me was the day I found out Mr. and Mrs. Crawford were moving away. The home at 113 S. 10th Street has not looked as will-kept since. I have a lot of fond memories of Mr. Crawford and his family, forever cherished."
"I was a teacher at Central Lee schools. Mr Crawford was such a unique person. He was the most wonderful principal for the elementary children and the teachers. I never heard anyone ever speak but good words about him and that shows the quality of that man. He was also a neighbor to us. We always remember him wearing white long sleeve dress shirts, rolled up, even on Saturdays, helping his wife in the yard. Yes, there is only one Mr. Crawford and heaven has another wonderful man. Al and Nancy Sonnenberg Montrose, Iowa"
"Mr. Crawford was a great principal and a great neighbor for many years. Prayers for his family. He was obviously loved by so many and made a lasting contribution to the education and leadership of Iowa students. So many of us are in education now thanks to the great principals, teachers, and other staff we had as mentors in Central Lee's district."
"I met Leonard and Pauline many years ago when I was a nurse in Ft Madison. They were truly two of the kindest people I have ever known. My sympathies to the family. They had a special love for each other and are now together again. God bless!"
"Mr. Crawford was one of the most loved principals in the Central Lee School District. You could always be sure when he made a decision it was the best one because he gave much thought to his actions. He was loved by his friends and neighbors in the town of Montrose. He will never be forgotten. Thoughts and prayers to his family. Judy Wells"
"What a wonderful man! We worked with Mr. Crawford for many years and always respected him as a boss and a friend. There are many memories from the Montrose school!!!! Leonard will be remembered by all those who he helped throughout the years. Our thoughts and prayer are with the entire family. Dave & Di Sino"
"Mr Crawford was my principal for 7 years. He was also I sort of neighbor (we lived in the same small town) I remember trick or treating at his house! He was so cool. I also remember the 'board of education' he had in his office. Thankfully I never had it used on me.. I didn't start rebelling until middle school. You could always count on him being a decent caring person. I am truly sorry for the loss. He was an awesome man. Rest in Peace Mr Crawford. God Bless."
"I had no idea that he had invested 44 years in the education of Iowa children. Some of you remember I had many first hand experiences in 'The Principles Office'. Being in trouble and visiting the office may have been perceived, by some, as a bad thing. However, as an adult I continue to use behavior control strategies that he taught me. He was my principle for 7 years and my next door neighbor for 10 - 15 (not sure how long). I have missed his smile, seeing him tend to his yard and their rhubarb plants. When I would go home to visit my parents, I could count on a smile, a wave, and often a brief chat to see how things are going. God bless Leonard and his entire family!"
"Mr. Crawford was such a wonderful principle. He will be greatly missed by me and many others."