Boyd L. Crawford, 100 of Bowling Green, passed away on May 28, 2023. He was born on January 10, 1923, to the late Clarence and Elizabeth (Fry) Crawford in Cygnet, Ohio. He married Betty Jean Zimmerman on April 19, 1947. They were married for almost 61 years until her death in 2008.
In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Crawford was preceded in death by his brothers, Glen, Merle, Ray and Earl and sister Velma (Mercer). He is survived by his three sons Tom (Linda) Crawford, Mike (Mary Beth) Crawford and Jeff (Carrie) Crawford all of Bowling Green. He also leaves behind eight treasured grandchildren and ten treasured great grandchildren.
Boyd graduated from Portage Township High School in 1941 where he played basketball and baseball and was Senior Class President.
A decorated World War II veteran, he served in the 471st Ambulance Division. He notably, fought in the Battle of the Bulge and earned numerous medals including four bronze stars and was awarded the Croix de Guerre by the country of France for gallant action in war. At the conclusion of the war, he was honorably discharged as a First Sergeant.
Upon his return from the service, he worked at Cain’s Potato Chips in Bowling Green. Starting as head potato peeler and working his way up to Executive Vice President/Owner until the company’s sale to Bachman Foods in 1977. In 1972 he served as President of SNAC International, formerly the Snack Food Association, one of the worlds largest trade organizations at that time.
Boyd valued his community and served on city council for six years as an at-large council member. He was a member of St. Marks Lutheran Church and served several years on the church council. He was also a past president of the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce and was a charter member and past President of the BGSU Falcon Club.
Boyd lived a highly active life. He loved playing golf, racquetball, Platform Tennis, and downhill skiing. He also enjoyed tending to his gardens and took immense pride in making his yard look its best.
More than anything, Boyd cherished spending time with friends and family. He will be remembered as an exceedingly kind, generous and loving soul. He will be dearly missed by his entire family and those who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of life service will be held on Monday June 26, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 W. Wooster St. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Bowling Green where full military honor’s will be rendered by the Wood County Honor Detail. Visitation will be held Monday at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m.
Boyd’s family would like to thank the nurses and aids of Bridge Hospice and Woodhaven Health for the wonderful care they gave and the compassion that they displayed to Boyd over the last five months. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bridge Home Health & Hospice.
