Ralph Crawford
1921-2017

Ralph Forest Crawford, 96 of Clarinda, Iowa died Sunday, March 5, 2017, at the Clarinda Regional Hospital in Clarinda.

Ralph was born February 20, 1921, in Gravity, Iowa to George and Nina Faye (Moore) Crawford. He was a graduate of New Market, Iowa High School.

He married his first wife Helen Mae Shore, the mother of his children, in 1941 in Witchita, KS.

During World War II Ralph served his country honorably, with the Army Air Force. Ralph served in the European Theater over Southern France's Air Offensive at Normandy. Ralph flew 25 missions as a tail-gunner until being shot down on his 25th mission over Toulouse France. He evaded capture and escaped to Spain where he was hospitalized for two months. He was a member of both Boot and Caterpiller clubs. During his service he was awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal, Lapel Button, North Africa Medal and Three Bronze Stars. Last year France awarded Ralph their highest medal, The Legion of Honour. After returning from WWII he was co-owner of an Auto Dealership in Clarinda.

Ralph was a securities broker for Investors Diversified Services. He also served as president and member of the Board of Nodaway Valley Packing Corporation, served for 20 years on the City Council in Clarinda and served 15 years as Chairman of the Republican Party of Page County.

Preceding him in death were his parents, first wife Helen, three brothers, Dale, Wade and Clark Crawford; sisters-in-law: Mable (Dale) Crawford, Betty (Clark) Crawford, Lucille (Wade) Crawford; two nephews Cecil Crawford and Tom Crawford and niece Darla Wright.

He is survived by his son James (Elaine) Crawford, St. Louis, MO, daughter Janet (Gary) Clark, Pryor, Oklahoma; four grandchildren: Ralph Crawford, Alex Crawford, Scott Clark and Paula Clark Miller; seven great-grandchildren: Tristin Clark, Gage Crawford, Lauren Crawford, Carolina Crawford, Levi Clark, Adalyn Miller and Aleyah Miller; special friends Bill (deceased) and Silvia Hammond and all the Loving Caregivers at Villisca Good Samaritan Center.

Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 PM Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Clarinda.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, March 9th at the First Christian Church, Clarinda.

Graveside Military Services will be provided by Sergy American Legion Post #98, Clarinda.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com