Gary Lee Crawford, age 73, of Fairview Heights, IL, born on March 29, 1952, in Johnstown, PA, died on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Barnes Jewish Hospital North, St. Louis, MO.
Gary received his bachelor’s degree in 1973 from St. Louis University. He formerly worked at Emerson Electric and McDonnell Douglas, both in St. Louis, MO. Gary continued his education earning his master’s degree in aerospace engineering while currently working at Boeing in St. Louis, in the Phantom Works Division. He was a former professor at Washington University in Aerospace Engineering.
Gary was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Columbia, IL. Gary was a former member of Kiwanis Club, former President of the Monroe County Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow, and Paul Harris Society. He was also a board member of Human Support Services of Waterloo, a member of Waterloo County Club, Docents with The St. Louis Zoo, and former athlete chaperone with Special Olympics.
He was a two-time 48oz Shula Club winner. He held the New York State Record in pole vaulting while at Holland Central High School. This record stood for 50 years. Gary was an avid Buffalo Bills, Cardinal baseball fan and he loved Christmas.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Janice, nee Joslin Crawford; and his parents, Russell and Nancy, nee Brickley Crawford.
Gary is survived by his wife, Brenda Wagner, who he married on August 10, 2022; his sister, Debby Klippert; his niece and nephews; Daniel (Tiffany) Hallows, Randy Kirsch, Kim (Ron) Kirsch, David (Meghan) Kirsch, Michael (I-Fei) Markham, and Davy Markham; loving great nieces and nephews; his sister-in-law, Sheri Markham; and his beloved cat, Cali.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Miracle League or to the family.
Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m, at The Rec (Holland Room), Fairview Heights, IL.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at The Rec (Holland Room) Fairview Heights, IL with Pastor Stephen Krenz officiating.
