Cornie Crawford, 87, of Beaumont, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont.

Cornie was born May 17, 1922, to Viola and Wesley Crawford in Pineville, Louisiana.  He came to Beaumont when he was 6 years old, following the death of his mother.  Cornie was of the 1940 Class of South Park High School.  Later he married his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life Norma June Youse in 1941.

Cornie worked for Oil City Brass and Pennsylvania Shipyard before entering the Navy which took him all over the Pacific.  After his discharge in 1946, he continued his trade of welding at Gulf Oil in Port Arthur.  Cornie taught many young men to weld.  He was very active in softball and basketball; winning the city championship for both in Beaumont. Cornie was a member of First Christian Church of Beaumont.

After retirement Cornie worked for Bill Townsley’s Law Office for four years as an investigator.  He and June then enjoyed traveling until having macular degeneration.

He was a loving and precious husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-eight years, June; son, Rick Crawford; daughter, Donna Jan Garner and her husband Richard; grandsons, Scott Crawford Garner and his wife Amy, Michael Todd Garner and his wife Jennifer; his precious great granddaughters, Julianne Garner and Hope Garner; twin brother, Corance Crawford and his wife Clois; sister, Margaret Mull; sisters-in-law, Jean Crawford and Bea Crawford; and several beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of wonderful friends; and a very special family friend, Peggy Brand.

He is preceded in death by his father, T.W. Crawford; mother, Viola Jane Crawford; brothers, Hilton, Marvin, and Troy Crawford; stepmother; and two step sisters, Cora Lee and Willa V. Dennis.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude and great appreciation to all the staff at Harbor Hospice and Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth for the loving care and compassion that they gave to Cornie.

His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 15, 2010, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont with burial to follow at Magnolia Cemetery.  A gathering of his family and friends will be from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Thursday, January 14, 2010, at Broussard’s.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice, 2450 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713 or to First Christian Church of Beaumont, 5290 North Caldwood Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707.