Leo Crawford, 97, of Springfield, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at St. John's Hospital, surrounded by his children.

Leo was born on December 31, 1924, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of William and Catherine (Gavigan) Crawford. He was a graduate of Barnum High School and began his career as a farmer in Iowa. Leo moved to New Berlin, IL. in 1963, when he became a full-time employee of the USDA Federal Crop Insurance Corporation and worked out of the Springfield office. He was promoted to various positions, relocating to Washington DC, Indianapolis, IN, Jackson, MS, and Kansas City, MO, before returning to Springfield in1978 as the Illinois State Director of Field Operations. Leo retired in 1986 and enjoyed many activities including building furniture, constructing beautiful stained glass pieces, volunteering at his church and at Habitat for Humanity, as well as various other organizations. Leo was a lifelong member of Knights of Columbus Council 9640 and was a 4th Degree Knight.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rose Lee Crawford; one sister, Virginia Barrett, and granddaughter, Penelope Grams Kerber.

Leo is survived by his children, Dan (Barb) Crawford of Blackshear, GA., Colleen Grams, of St. Louis, MO., Peggy Crawford (Bill Hudson) of Missoula, MT., Teri (Herman) Sakizzie, of Gilbert, AZ., Francy (Ken) Cobern, Sharon Crawford, Bill (Kathleen) Crawford and Veronica (Dwight) Denzer, all of Springfield, IL.; grandchildren, Arman Dodd, of Springfield, IL., Ryan Crawford of Chatham, IL., Rhonda Conover of Springfield, IL., Jay Crawford of Hamburg, NY., Chelsey Becchetti, of Chandler, AZ., Samantha Sakizzie of Mesa, AZ.; 6 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; three bonus grandchildren, Michelle, Kelly and Elizabeth; brother, Edward Crawford of St. Cloud, MN.; sisters, Patricia Schreier of Manson, IA., Kathleen Knox of Duluth, MN., Judy Roberts of Spring Hill, FL., and Joan McMartin of Castle Rock CO.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Church of St. Jude in Rochester beginning at 9:00AM. Mass will follow at 10:30. The Mass will be streamed live at stjude.dio.org - home page, click watch live Saturday at 4:30.

Memorials may be made to Church of St. Jude or a charity of the donor's choice.

Wilson Park Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St. in Rochester is in charge of arrangements.