Walter Elmer Crawford

Walter Elmer Crawford passed away on March 31, 2021 in the comfort of his daughter and son-in-laws home where he has lived for the past several years. He was 93. He was born in Johnsonville, New York February 10, 1928, to Marion and Elmer Crawford. He grew up in Bennington, Vermont with his ten siblings. He went to Bennington area schools and was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church as a young boy, where he sang in the choir. He began work as a teenager at the Valentine Woolen Mill. He was later employed by the Vermont Tissue Mill and the Benmont Paper Mill. He developed an interest in masonry work, and eventually left the factory to do full time mason work. He retired in the 1980's due to health. He spent ten years in the military, joining in 1947. He played horn in the Army National Guard drum corp and was trained as a cook. He spent time in Germany and was a proud member of the 172nd Infantry Regiment, 43rd Division, Company C. He was a long time member of the American Legion. He married Marian Eleanor White on August 16, 1952 and together they made their home in East Arlington and raised five children. He enjoyed woodworking (making dollhouses), and spending free time with area youth including the Yankee Doodlers Drum and Bugle Corp and The Woodchuckers 4-H Club. He loved a family gathering, of which there were many. In recent years, he enjoyed watching John Wayne movies, get-togethers with the neighbors, and seeing pictures of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many folks will remember him for his big laugh (which he kept right to the end) and delivering fresh pussy willows to friends and family. He was predeceased by his wife Marian, his son Shane, and his stepson Larry, as well as his siblings Frank, Fred, Mike, Harvey, Chris, Marion, and Joanne. He is survived by his daughter Princess Barany and her husband Richard, his stepdaughter Barbara Robertson, and his stepson Richard Beayon. He is also survived by his brother John, his twin sisters Sue and Sally, his special grandchildren and great grandchildren, and many extended family. Donations may be made to the Patient Activity Fund at the Vermont Veterans Home, through the Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home in Bennington, P.O. Box 957, Bennington, VT 05201 Visitation will be Saturday, May 8th, at 1:00 pm with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm at Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home 213 West Main Street Bennington, VT. Walter will be laid to rest on May 10th, at 11:00 am, next to his wife in the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph, VT. Due to Covid-19, we politely ask that masks will be required at both services.