William Crawford, age 84, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 7:58 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025, at Marigold Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Galesburg, Illinois.
He was born on January 11, 1941, in Kingsport, Tennessee, the son of William R. and Geneva R. (Nickels) Crawford. He served in the United States Air Force as a Policeman. He married Barbara Burwell in April of 1965 in Detroit, Michigan. She preceded him in death on December 13, 2023.
He is survived by his daughters, Pamela (Donald) Hickey of Galesburg, Illinois and Tammy (Brad) Gregory of Galesburg, Illinois; six grandchildren: Andrew (Amy) Hickey, Kimberly (Seth) Hill, Bradley (Lynsey) Gregory, Tyler (Morganne) Gregory, Zachary (Emma) Gregory and Brandy Gregory; six great grandchildren: Aubree, Melody, Cloe, Delilah, Isabel, and Micah; three siblings: Eilene, Carolyn and Mickey. He was preceded in death by his wife, Parents, one son, Billy and one sister, Shiela.
While living in Detroit he was an over-the-road truck driver. They moved to Galesburg, Illinois where he worked for Gale Products, Wilson Foods, then retiring from Kimberly Terrace in the Maintenance Department. He was known as “The Puzzle Man” by many.
Graveside memorials services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville, Illinois, with Deacon Michael Crummer officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Knox County Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the Family. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory in Knoxville, Illinois is assisting the family with his wishes. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
