Donald “Don” Crawford

June 6, 1924 - December 8, 2022

Visitation: Visitation, with family present, will be Sunday from 4-6 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD

Service: Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 12, 2022 at Canton Lutheran Church. 

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Donald “Don” Crawford, age 98, died Thursday, December 8, 2022 at Good Samaritan Society Canton.  Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 12, 2022 at Canton Lutheran Church.  Visitation, with family present, will be Sunday from 4-6 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD

Don was born on June 6, 1924 south of Fairview, SD to Clifford and Maggie (Fossum) Crawford.  He graduated from Canton High School in 1942.  After graduation, he served his country during WWII as a radioman in the U.S. Navy.  He married Carol Madland on October 12, 1947.

        After his discharge, he was a print setter for the newspaper and sold insurance until he became a partner and later the owner of the local bowling alley, Town & Country Lanes.  Don taught the game of bowling to countless people until retiring at age 90.   He also started the VFW Teener baseball program in Canton in the early 1960’s.

        When he wasn’t at the bowling alley, Don enjoyed telling stories, spending time with family, golfing, pheasant hunting with his German Short Hair Pointers, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals.  He was also an active member and past commander of the Canton VFW and a lifelong member of Canton Lutheran Church. Don will be remembered for his strong work ethic and his compassion.

Don is survived by his children, Deb (Skip) Sorensen, Sioux Falls, SD, Joan (Bob) Lier, Canton, SD,  Curt (Sherry)  Watertown, SD and Jeff (Janet), Canton, SD;  13 grandchildren, Molly, Colby, Shaley, Brady, Jessica, Brent, Erin, Justin, Amy, Jesse, Julie, Jacob, and Jenna;  17 great-grandchildren, Ashley, Cameron, Rylee, Addison, Maggie, Qynn, Quorra, Wyatt, Miya, Reagan, Madison, Edin, Owen, Asher, Laine, Destiny, Gabriel and one on the way; brother, Kip (Julie) Crawford, Canton, SD; sister-in-law, Linda Madland, Canton, SD; special friends, Terry and Connie Glenn;  along with numerous extended relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Carol; parents; brother, Cecil; and sister, Delores.

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19 messages have been left

  1. Doug Olseth on December 8, 2022 said:

    So sorry to hear of DON’s passing. He was alway fun to visit with. Prayers are with the family

  2. Ila Torkelson on December 9, 2022 said:

    Have so many great memories of Don and family. Truly loved that guy and though he will be so sadly missed, so thankful he had such a long and wonderful life and will now be reunited with Carol and much family that all loved him. My hugs and Prayers to all his family, who will miss him so much, but have such precious memories.

  3. Gail Bauer on December 9, 2022 said:

    The picture of Don in the car is spot on! I will always remember him as a kind, caring person with a warm smile. All the time spent at the bowling alley and there was Don standing behind the counter or helping Dorothy Short pour coffee. So many people have good memories of your dad. He was one of the good guys! God Bless you all.

  4. Jenny Hamran on December 9, 2022 said:

    So sorry to hear the loss of Don. He was a great boss he made working at the bowling one of my all time favorite jobs and a great man to all. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Paul and Jenny Oakland Hamran

  5. Loren Wallem on December 10, 2022 said:

    Deb, Joan, Curt and Jeff — So sorry for the loss of your father. He will be missed by many, especially those of all ages that hung around the bowling alley. Thinking of all of you.

  6. Judy Heffele on December 10, 2022 said:

    I am so sorry to hear about Don. My children and I have such good memories of Don and the Bowling Alley. He was so good to us.

  7. Tami Rikansrud on December 10, 2022 said:

    Crawford family, I’m sorry for your loss. Don was such a great guy & he will leave many memories. I’m thinking of you.

  8. Lynn Vaksdal on December 10, 2022 said:

    Im So Sorry to hear about Don passing.. Don was such a great guy ..Don will be missed in so many way .. Sending our Condolences to your families at this time ..Scott and Lynn Vaksdal

  9. Cindi Hinton on December 10, 2022 said:

    My heartfelt condolences to all you and your families. We are all so blessed to have the honor of belonging to the the Crawford family growing up. My mom and dad were so proud of sharing that with my brothers and me. Let’s all of us carry that forward.

  10. The Thormodsgard family on December 10, 2022 said:

    Don was a wonderful friend and partner with our father Murhl. And don’t forget the bowling trips! He and Carol were a warm and comfortable presence in our lives as we grew up. May he Rest In Peace. The Thormodsgard family

  11. Jane Stopak on December 11, 2022 said:

    Our deepest sympathies We all had some great times. Love to all of the family

  12. Nancy Rasmussen on December 12, 2022 said:

    So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was a wonderful man. He had a good spirit. As children we used to visit the bowling alley. Many thoughts and prayers go out to the children and family. God bless from Nancy, Wayne, and Kyle Rasmussen

  13. Francis and Carol McEntee on December 12, 2022 said:

    sorry for the loss of Don. many memories of Don.McEntees

  14. Jan Marie Crawford on December 12, 2022 said:

    Such a beautiful service for Don, an extraordinary man who loved a lot, laughed a lot and will never be forgotten.
    Joining with many others who are thinking of you today and extending deepest sympathy to you.

  15. Randi Helder on December 13, 2022 said:

    Sorry to hear of your loss, my dad often talked about his friendship with your father. He especially enjoyed their Honor flight. may God give you peace as you celebrate your dad’s life and say this “Good bye for now” hugs and prayers.

  16. Langdon Family on December 13, 2022 said:

    So sorry to read of Don’s passing on . Don was always quiet but friendly to all when we visited our parents . Our thoughts are with the family.

  17. Steve Muller on December 15, 2022 said:

    Sorry to see the passing of Don, he was a great guy and will be missed. He coached me to my highest bowling score back in the “70s

  18. Craig Sanderson on December 15, 2022 said:

    Sorry to hear of Don’s passing but the picture of him made me smile and brought back so many memories of talking with him at Canton Lutheran, of course at the bowling alley and when I came home on leave Dad and I would go to the VFW and visit with Don. Lost a good guy and a member of the greatest generation. Thank you for your service Don and may you rest in peace.
    Sorry for your loss and God bless.

  19. Brian Robert Lind on December 15, 2022 said:

    My Greatest condolences on the passing of Don. God Bless