W. Wayne Crawford

Walter Wayne Crawford, Jr.
W. Wayne Crawford, Jr., 78, of Independence, Missouri, passed away Sunday, January 16, 2022.
Wayne was born September 19, 1943 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the son of Walter Wayne Crawford, Sr. and Wilma Josephine (Brewer) Crawford, he was one of two children.
After graduation Wayne enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, after being honorably discharged, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from California State University in Long Beach California. In 1965 Wayne traveled to Missouri, which is when he first met his soon to be wife, Laura Heinlen, while on an Older Youth Service Corps trip with his church. Wayne moved to Missouri in 1968 and earned his Master’s degree in Music Education from University of Missouri, Kansas City. On June 19, 1971, Wayne and Laura were married, and from their union came two children- Carrie and Andrew. Wayne was the Music Director for Palmer Jr. High School, followed by Fort Osage High School for several years before obtaining his Electrical Journeyman Certification and working as an Electrician, which he did for 30 years before retiring in 2008. Throughout his career and after retirement Wayne was an associate for Speaks Chapels, offering his ministry through song and service, serving many families in need during a time of loss. During his down time, Wayne enjoyed fishing, scouting, being the accompanist to his children’s musical endeavors, singing and playing piano and organ across the Kansas City area, including with the Kansas City Symphony. He was a fixer of all things, a jack of all trades, and didn’t take “no” for an answer. Wayne loved serving the Lord and serving others. He was an Elder in his church at the South Crysler Restoration Branch in Independence, Missouri. Wayne loved his family, his wife, his children, and grandchildren with all that he had. Wayne touched so many during his years, and his loss will be greatly missed, but we know he is with the Lord and that holds such glory, even so, he will be greatly missed. We know he is with the Lord and that holds such glory, even so, he will be greatly missed.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 50 years, Laura Crawford; children, Andrew (Gina) Crawford, Carrie (Josh) Blackman, grandchildren, Samuel, David, Evan, Alexa; sister, Jane (Jim) Alvested; sister-in-law, Sharon Heinlen; nephews, extended family, and dear friends. He is preceded by his parents, Wayne and Wilma Crawford.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 2:30 p.m., at South Crysler Restoration Branch, Independence, Missouri. A private family interment to take place at a later date at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Wayne's honor be given to either the South Crysler Restoration Branch Music Fund or the Powell Gardens Children's Garden.