Freestone County, Texas
Obituaries


Russell Dwain Crawford

Russell Dwain Crawford, born on August 7, 1954, in Corsicana, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 71 years old and a faithful member of the Kerens Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ickey and Joyce Crawford of Kerens.
Russ was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, known for his warmth, humor, and unwavering support for those he loved. He graduated from Kerens High School in 1972. He attended Navarro College before transferring to Tarleton State University where he played college football and was a graduate assistant coach and earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees. He also met the love of his life while at Tarleton. Russ and Lanelle were married in 1978, after they both graduated.
Russ was a longtime educator. He began his career teaching science and coaching football at Humble HS. He took a break from coaching from 1980-1988 and worked for Fluor Daniel at Big Brown power plant in Fairfield. He returned to coaching in 1988 at Athens HS where he taught PE and coached football and powerlifting. He taught Science, PE and coached football at Corsicana ISD and finished his career in education as the Principal at the Kerens DAEP.
Russ was a 30-year member of the Kerens Deer Hunters Association. He never met a stranger and cherished his time with family and friends. Once you were Russ’s friend, you were his friend for life. He got great pleasure out of hosting a yearly reunion with his college football teammates which allowed them to continue friendships for over 50 years. Russ loved ranching and keeping up his long-time family farm in Rural Shade, where he resided. His favorite thing to do was support his grandkids by attending their various activities if he was physically able. His passion for life, humor and his ability to make others feel special left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Russ battled multiple health problems starting with his initial cancer diagnosis over 33 years ago. He had more procedures and surgeries than can be recalled. He was known for his strength and perseverance through whatever struggles he was presented, and he did it all with a smile. He relied on his faith, family and friends to get through it all. He and his family took this as an opportunity to live every day to the fullest and never take loved ones or life for granted. Russ Crawford was the true definition of a warrior!
Russ is survived by his dedicated, loving wife of 47 years, Lanelle; children, Courtney Robertson and husband Cody of Tyler, Cadey Gillert and husband Jeremy of Athens and Kelley Crawford and wife Crystal of Weatherford; and his cherished grandchildren, Sidney, Sadie and Sam Robertson, Paige and Piper Gillert, Pake and Pax Smith, Harper Dever and Case Crawford. He is also survived by his siblings, sister, Christy Albeck of Cypress, brother, Dale Crawford and wife Joyce of Kerens, sister-in-law, Patricia Curry and husband Billy Tom of Mart and sister-in-law, Beverly Fambro and husband Alex of Mingus, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many life-long friends.
Visitation will be Friday, August 22nd from 5-7pm at the Kerens Church of Christ. Funeral will be Saturday, August 23rd at 11:00am at the Cowboy Church of Corsicana.