John Joseph "Joe" Crawford's Obituary
John Joseph "Joe" Crawford, age 66 of Pinckneyville, IL passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 12:52 a.m. in Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO.
Joe was born on January 8, 1954 in Du Quoin, IL to parents William K. "Bill" Crawford, Jr. and Jean (Durkin) Crawford. The youngest of three children, Joe spent his childhood in Pinckneyville with close friends and was a regular at the local golf course. After high school, Joe graduated from Lincoln College and subsequently attended Eastern Illinois University. In June 1975, Joe fulfilled his dream of continuing a multi-generational family legacy at Murphy-Wall State Bank and Trust Company where he would work for the next 44 years. Alongside his uncle, Bob Crawford, and his father, Joe learned the banking business and the importance of community by serving in nearly every position. After serving loyally on the bank board for 28 years, Joe stepped into the role of Chairman of the Board in 2017 after the passing of his father.
On September 23, 1978, he married Connie Niann Klosterman at St. Paul United Church of Christ, in Pinckneyville, IL. Joe was an active member of the community and cared deeply about the town and its residents. Joe was a long-time member of United Methodist Men, the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce, and the Pinckneyville Optimist Club. On Sundays, he could be found at the United Methodist Church of Pinckneyville, usually followed by a lunch at Red Hawk Country Club with his family. During the week, Joe could be found at the bank, smiling and laughing with those who walked through its doors. To Joe, it didn't matter if you were there as a customer, worked there for a day or your entire career; to him, you were family. Joe's other full-time job was being a father to son, Brian, daughter, Julie, and grandfather to his precious granddaughter, Tallulah. He enjoyed many years of family reunions and vacations and rarely missed a ballgame, band concert, or play.
Joe was an avid sports fan and loved his favorite teams; the Pinckneyville Panthers, the Fighting Illini, the SIU Salukis, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the St. Louis Rams. For many years, he could be found most winter Friday and Saturday nights in Thomas Gymnasium cheering on the Panthers with his family. Throughout his life he was an avid golfer and fan of the PGA, the highlight of which was attending the 2018 PGA Championship with his son.
Survivors include his wife, Connie Crawford of Pinckneyville, IL; one son, Brian (Ashley) Crawford of Houston, TX; one daughter, Julie Wood of St. Louis, MO; a granddaughter, Tallulah Jean Wood; one sister, Janie (Herb) Walker of Wildwood, MO; one brother, James M. Crawford of Westminster, CA; as well as nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; father, William K. Crawford, Jr.; mother, Jean Crawford and two dear cousins.
Visitation will be held at the United Methodist Church, Pinckneyville, IL on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral services will be held at the United Methodist Church, Pinckneyville, IL on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Don Meeks officiating. Interment will be in Mueller Hill Cemetery, Pinckneyville, IL
In lieu of flowers or plants for his funeral, it is asked that family and friends make a memorial donation to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/PFFTribute/JoeCrawford, Pinckneyville Optimist Club, or the United Methodist Church.
Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL has been entrusted with arrangements.
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