Rev. Stanley “Stan” Dale Crawford died June 22, 2026, in South Hutchinson, Kansas of complications from dementia. He was born September 11, 1942 in Indiana, Pennsylvania to William Dale and Mary Lois (Binkey) Crawford. From the moment of his birth, Stan had an unquenchable curiosity and a disregard for authority. Stan lived a full and vibrant life as much on his own terms as is humanly possible.

Stan and his wife, Janet, met each other as children, grew into young teens who didn’t think much of each other, consented to a set up double date on New Year’s Eve when neither had anything better to do, realized each had grown up better than anticipated, and began dating. They were married on February 24, 1961.

In his working years, Stan was: an electronics engineer for three computer companies (with a security clearance working on Cold War information); a short-wave radio engineer which required him to climb to the top of a mountain to service the tower; a machinist at an implement factory; an audio-visual technician and radio/television engineer at a university; a commercial radio engineer and on-air program announcer; a consulting engineer for Collins transmitters; a restaurant owner; a deputy sheriff; a staff member of a safe shelter for the unhoused; and an ordained minister. He also painted barns and houses with his 40-foot wooden extension ladder and worked for farmers across the country.

Among his volunteer activities were decades as a firefighter, member of the rescue squad and EMT. He spent a summer in Ministries in National Parks.

Stan was a man of many interests but loved airplanes, trains and history. Family vacations centered around these activities which led to his daughters taking these up as well. He also loved to learn about every new community he lived in. Within a few weeks of moving, he knew more than many life-long inhabitants and reveled in sharing his area with visitors on what the rest of the family called the “Ye Olde Tour”. His down time was filled with reading and, even to his last day on earth, was rarely more than an arm’s length from a book. Everyone learned quickly that if you asked Stan a question, you better be prepared for a complete and informed answer. While not overly emotionally open, his family never doubted his absolute love for them and he was very active in family life.

Stan spent close to a decade earning his Associate Degree, picking up classes in various colleges as he moved. After 15 years of ignoring God, Stan finally admitted his call to the ministry, completing his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Dubuque and a Master’s of Divinity from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. Stan’s faith was deep and abiding but not traditional; quietly ministering to the people that he met in all areas of his life. He performed funerals when other ministers declined. He understood the role that grace plays in all people, not just those who sat in his pews.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Janet Machesney Crawford of South Hutchinson, Kansas; Daughters, Betsy (Michael Gore) Crawford-Gore of Larned, Kansas, and Laurie (Scott) Miller of Nickerson, Kansas; Grandchildren, Heather (Josh) Enevoldsen of Knife River, Minnesota, Kristin (Michael) DeKay and sons, Elliot and Simon of Omaha, Nebraska, Jason (Taylor) Miller and daughter, Luna of Nickerson, Kansas, and Gwendolyn (Ross Bergsten) Woerpel of Duluth, Minnesota; Sisters, Ann Duble of Cascade, Maryland, and Pat (Frank) Paradise of Guthrie Oklahoma; Sister-in-law, Syd Crawford of Honolulu, Hawaii; Stan also leaves behind beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Stan was preceded in death by his; parents, brother, Jimmy Crawford, brother-in-law, Jim Duble, and granddaughter, Megan Woerpel.

Memorial Service will be Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 3400 21st Street, Great Bend, Kansas with Pastor Mike Munz presiding. There will be no viewing. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the church or to the Ainsworth, Nebraska Fire and Rescue Department in care Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main Hutchinson, KS 67501.