Obituary: CRAWFORD, DON

Don Weitzel Crawford1923 ~ 2013On October 8th, 2013 Don Weitzel Crawford passed from mortality to rejoin his wife Wanda and his brothers, sisters and parents in heaven.Don lived an absolutely fantastic life for over 90 years. Don was born July 19, 1923 to Edwin and Margaret Crawford. After graduating from Jordan High School in 1941, Don enlisted in the United States Marines/Navy and was a Naval officer on board the USS Butte in the South Pacific. He saw duty in Okinawa, Luzon, Formosa, the Leyte Gulf and Iwo Jima, among other notable battles. Don was very proud of his service in the Navy and the Marines and was proud to be a veteran.Following the war, Don returned to Utah and married Wanda Burkinshaw in the Salt Lake City Temple on November 7th, 1947. Don and Wanda were married for almost 65 years.Don's greatest joys in life were his children and grandchildren. He loved spending time with them and coaching them in various sporting events. His coaching motto was simple: "You can beat 'em"! Don was a charter member at the Cottonwood Country Club where he made many lifelong friendships. He served as the only two-time Club president in the 1970's. He enjoyed tennis, golf, swimming and being a ski program supervisor for over thirty years.Don graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in business and worked in the real estate profession his entire life. He never had an unhappy customer.Don is survived by his two children, Jeanette (Lynn) and Kent (Farah) as well as his six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Wanda, brother Deon, sisters, Readell and Francine. We express thanks to the Willow Creek Wentworth staff for the compassionate care given to Don. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 11, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Cottonwood 7th Ward, 5565 S. Neighbor Lane (1610 E.) Family and friends are encouraged to visit from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. prior to the service. Following the funeral will be a graveside service at Larkin Sunset Gardens. Tributes may be sent to the family at: www.HolbrookMortuary.com