DONALD RAY CRAWFORD

1935-2018

Donald Ray Crawford passed away March 3, 2018, after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Don was born July 30, 1935, in Houston to Matilda and Jessie Crawford.

He graduated from the Allen Military Academy in Bryan and attended the University of Denver.

Don married Dixie Crawford June 22, 1985. They lived in Austin, Lakeway, Houston, The Woodlands, before settling in Montgomery.

He lived life to the fullest, traveling throughout the world, sipping fine wines and dining in 4-star restaurants. He traveled to 23 countries vacationing at vineyards, cruising the open seas and hunting and fishing in remote resorts. He was a ruthless gin player, avid golfer and snow skier, once crashing into his wife and breaking her ribs! All that knew Don agreed he could tell a story like no other. He enjoyed mentoring friends as he was always looked to for his great wisdom and advice. He had a big heart; ask any stray dog or friendly neighbor.

Don was very accomplished throughout his career with more than 50 years of experience in real estate development, management, sales and marketing. Don owned the 5th highest producing Century 21 in Central TX/ LA Region; a former joint venture founding partner in Bentwater; partner in Five Fairway Corp in Lakeway, VP at Mitchell/Southwest, a subsidiary of Mitchell Energy and Development Corp. in Houston; President/CEO at Lakeway Company Austin; Sr. VP at Tenneco Realty and Sr. VP at Realtec. Don was also self-employed at Bald Head Island, NC, an island resort owned by the Mitchell family; Treyburn, Durham, NC; Barton Creek Country Club of Austin; Point Aquarius and Pelican Bay in Willis.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Dixie Crawford, children Donna Evans, son-in-law Dave Evans, Bruce Crawford, and Brian Crawford, stepdaughters Leslie Foley, Marcy Burton, Amy Stern and husband, Blaine Stern; grandchildren Jessica Evans, Megan Evans, Aron Evans and Sam Stern, great grandson Enzo and his beloved Cocker Spaniel, Axel.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and brother Roy.

We wish to thank Hospice Traditions in Conroe; Dr. Shane Simpson, Nurse Tawny Evans and Chaplain Marty Ballesteros for their love and kindness. Many thanks to special friends who visited during the last few months.

You’re invited to “celebrate his life” at 11:00 am – 1:00pm, Sunday, March 25, at Madera Estates, 3201 N. Frazier, Conroe, Texas.