Charles Crawford

Charles Olen Crawford Sr., 89, of Clearfield, PA, a former long time resident of State College, PA, completed this earthly journey and went home to be with his heavenly Father on July 6, 2024 at Colonial Courtyard, Clearfield.

He was born on September 19, 1934 in West Chester, PA, a son of the late Olen Clarence and Agnes Irene (Poole) Crawford.

On August 20, 1960, he married Ruth Wismer Arms of Collegeville, PA.

Charlie attended schools in the Marple-Newton, Downingtown, and Norristown School Districts in Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties, and would graduate from Norristown in 1952. He received a BS in Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology in 1963 from Penn State University and his Masters Degree in Rural Sociology from Penn State in 1958.

He served as Instructor of Rural Sociology at Cornell University, then pursued graduate studies and received a Doctorate of Philosophy in Rural Sociology in 1963 at Cornell. Following graduation, he accepted a position at the University of Connecticut where he was Assistant Professor of Rural Sociology and Community Organizations Specialist, helping to identify and solve local programs through the Community Development Program. In 1971 he was appointed Associate Professor of Rural Sociology at Penn State and was promoted to Professor in 1976. He taught, conducted research, and served as a Health Specialist in Penn State's Cooperative Extension Program. In 1991, he established and became the first Director of the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health, a position he held until his retirement in 1994 as Professor Emeritis. Prior to joining the Department, Charlie was employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health as a Public Health Behavioral Scientist and served as Director of the Division of Behavioral Science. He held leadership positions in the National Rural Health Association, the American Rural Health Association, the American Public Health Association, the Pennsylvania Public Health Association, and Family Health Services of Centre County.

Charlie was a member of the Pine Grove Presbyterian Church, where he was Assistant Treasurer and served several terms as an Elder.

He served in the US Army Ready Reserve from 1956 - 1962.

He was a licensed amateur radio operator and enjoyed working with radios. He also enjoyed collecting antique pocket watches.

Charlie was a volunteer cashier at the Mount Nittany Medical Center snack bar for over 20 years.

Most of all, Charlie loved his family and was happiest surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and most recently his great granddaughter, Ellie Grace. We will miss him dearly but cherish all the memories.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth, two sons, Charles 'Chip' Crawford Jr. and wife Vicki, and Timothy Boyd Crawford and wife Kate; a daughter-in-law, Beverly Crawford of East Jordan, MI; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth Pater of East Jordan, MI, Jacob Crawford and companion YoungJin Seo of Dallas, TX, Nicholas Crawford and fiance Emily Shirkness of Hatboro, PA, Alexis Crawford and fiance Lucas Sainburg of Nashville, TN, Nathan Crawford of Philipsburg, PA, Eric Wriglesworth and his wife Kelly of Morrisdale, and Shane Wriglesworth and wife Alexis of Clearfield; ten great-grandcdhildren, Ellie Grace Pater, Emily, Eli, Lea, Sydney, Jenna, Jessie, Anna, Troy, and Heath Wriglesworth; a sister, Ellen Stefanski of Sturgis, MI; a brother, Walter 'Scotty' Crawford and companion Bridget Kendall of Pottstown, PA; brother and sister in law, Dave and Janet Arms, brother-in-law, Philip Arms; and numerous other extended family members that were special to Charlie.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a son, Brian Lee Crawford; a sister, Virginia Wanamaker; brothers-in-law, Ronald Wanamaker, and Michael Stefanski; and a sister-in-law, Judy Arms.

Funeral services will be held at the Pine Grove Mills Presbyterian Church, 150 W. Pine Grove Road, Pine Grove Mills, PA 16868 on Friday, July 12, 2024 at 11 AM with Rev. Carl Campbell officiating. Interment will follow in the Pine Grove Mills Cemetery, Pine Grove Mills.

Friends will be received at the Beardsley Funeral Home and Crematory, 113 N. Third St., Clearfield, PA 16830 on Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 4-7 PM and at the church on Friday from 10 - 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Pine Grove Mills Presbyterian Church, PO Box 241, Pine Grove Mills, PA 16868; or Centre Volunteers in Medicine, 2026 Sandy Dr., State College, PA 16803.

The family would like to express grateful thanks to the special caring staff of Colonial Courtyard, Beth Shaw, CRNP, and 365 Hospice.

To sign the on-line guest book go to www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.