Benjamin Raymond Crawford

MADISON-Benjamin Raymond Crawford, age 72, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, with his wife, Cora by his side. Ben was born on Dec. 2, 1939, in Fresno, Calif., the son of Ralph and Dorothy Crawford. He graduated from North High in Fresno, Calif. in 1957, after which he joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Truax Field in Madison. While stationed in Wisconsin, Ben met the love of his life, Cora Andreas, and the two were married on Dec. 30, 1960. Ben was transferred to Sioux Lookout in Ontario, Canada, where they lived for a brief period, before being transferred back to Madison. After the Air Force, Ben got a job at Webcrafters, where he worked for 42 years. Ben was a very active person. He played football in his younger years for the Madison Mustangs. He coached his son’s Little League team. He worked out at Ford’s Gym every day right up to the day of his passing. Ben is survived by his wife, Cora; his son, Michael (Diane); his daughter, Susie (Jerry Ladwig); grandchildren, Danielle Crawford, Benjamin Crawford, and Evan Zeimet; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant son; and his parents. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012. Private burial will be held at St. William’s Cemetery in Paoli. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until the time of service on Thursday. In life, Ben always wanted to help people, so in death, he was able to help people through organ donation. Cemetery: Private burial will be held at St. William’s Cemetery in Paoli. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until the time of service on Thursday. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012.