Walter Joe Crawford, 74, went to his heavenly home Friday evening, February 9, 2024, at his residence after a brief illness.  He was born on June 28, 1949, in Manchester, Tennessee the son of Hugh and Darcie (Tenpenny) Crawford.

Walter graduated from Southside High School in 1967 and took additional courses at IVY Technical College.  He enlisted in the United States Air Force where he made a career during the Vietnam War Era.  Walter retired from the Air Force in 1988 as a Master Sergeant.   Eventually, he married the love of his life, Bettye (Wilson) Crawford on February 28, 1970, in Muncie and she survives.  Mr. Crawford attended the Riverview Church of the Nazarene where he was a security team member.  He enjoyed fishing, shooting, and golfing.  He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans of Anderson, and the Veterans Coffee Club in Muncie.

Besides his wife of 54 years, Bettye, he is also survived by a daughter, Heather Brandenburg (Richard), Green, Ohio, and a son, Stephen Crawford, Muncie; six grandchildren, Noah, Abigail, Natalie, Kelcey Whitehead (Companion-Dax), Muncie, Lindsey Wright (Ben), Yorktown, Kaiden Crawford, Yorktown, and Brock Gibson (Marissa), Greenville, Ohio;  8 great-grandchildren;  three sisters-in-law, Diana Zimmerman, Alexandria, Barbara Cox (Terry), Yorktown and Charlene Davis, San Antonio, Texas; one brother-in-law, Richard Wilson (Elaine), Jacksonville, Florida; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Kenneth Crawford.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 19, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Riverview Church of the Nazarene with Pastor David Shipman officiating.  Burial will follow at Marion National Cemetery in Marion, IN on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. The U.S. Air Force will render military honors.

Friends may call at Riverview Church of the Nazarene 2600 Willard, Muncie, IN 47302 on Monday, February 19, 2024, from noon until the time of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mango's Miracles P.O. Box 83 Yorktown, IN 47396.

Online condolences may be made to the family in care of www.parsonmortuary.com