Keith passed away Friday, December 10, 2021 of natural causes after a long and healthy life. Keith was born on January 13, 1926 to Melvin and Nellie Crawford in Soldier Summit, Utah. The family later moved to Helper, Utah where they lived until Keith was a teenager. They then moved and settled in Salt Lake City, Utah, where Keith attended Lincoln Jr High and South High School.

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Keith loved music and dancing. As a senior in high school, Keith formed his own dance band. Keith played the clarinet and saxophone. They played at many different venues and dances in the Salt Lake valley. Keith was active in the ROTC in high school and was the captain of the ROTC unit. After graduation, Keith enlisted in the US Navy in June of 1944 during World War II. He served on the USS Saratoga aircraft carrier. He was honorably discharged in May of 1946. Keith met Mary Joy Torgerson at a dance during one of his leaves. They were later married on January 13, 1947 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Mary preceded him in death on August 17, 2015. They were married for 68 years.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many positions and callings in the church.

He spent most of his career as a printer for Packaging Corporation of America.

Keith is survived by four sons: Randy K. (Linda) West Jordan, Scott A. (Ann) Sandy, Terry J (Shannon) South Jordan and Todd M. (Danette) Layton: 18 Grandchildren and 50 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter, Joy D. Williams and her husband, John T. Williams and his infant son, Christopher Lee Crawford.

Keith will have a graveside service on December 27, 2021 at Redwood Memorial Estates located at 6500 So. Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah at 2:00 p.m. MST

Services

Graveside Service

Monday, Dec. 27, 2021 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Memorial Redwood Cemetery
6500 South Redwood Road
West Jordan, UT 84123

Services Handled By

Memorial Redwood Mortuary & Cemetery
6500 S Redwood Rd
Salt Lake City, UT

Life Story Info

Post Date

Dec 17, 2021

Personal Info

Age

95
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Guestbook

Dear Crawford family.

It’s been almost a year since we lost Keith. I want you to know my husband, Ron, lost one of his best friends that day and I lost one of the dearest men we’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. We loved Mary and Keith so much! They were the most amazing primary teachers I ever had the honor of serving with. Keith mesmerized the children with his stories. It didn’t matter what he was teaching, all the children would just hang on every word! He was so proud of and loved his children and grand children. And he was good enough to put up with my cooking from time to time… not a talent of mine! Just want you to know we miss him. So very much. God bless you as I’m sure he and Mary are watching over you all.

Missy Hockemier , Salt Lake City, UT, US Dec 07, 2022

Dear Crawford family.

It’s been almost a year since we lost Keith. I want you to know my husband, Ron, lost one of his best friends that day and I lost one of the dearest men we’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. We loved Mary and Keith so much! They were the most amazing primary teachers I ever had the honor of serving with. Keith mesmerized the children with his stories. It didn’t matter what he was teaching, all the children would just hang on every word! He was so proud of and loved his children and grand children. And he was good enough to put up with my cooking from time to time… not a talent of mine! Just want you to know we miss him. So very much. God bless you as I’m sure he and Mary are watching over you all.

Missy Hockemier , Salt Lake City, UT, US Dec 07, 2022

Oh how I love the Crawford family, especially by best friend for over 40 years, Joy. I am so excited for the reunion she is now having with her Dad. He always made me feel so welcome when we would meet and all of the family seemed like a second family to me. My love and prayers to all of you. May the atonement bring you peace and comfort.

Reena Price , West Jordan, UT, US Dec 17, 2021

Terry and family,

I am so sorry for your loss. You dad is a great man. You all are in our thoughts and prays. I would love to be at the services.

Steven and Deana Hardy , De Queen , AR, US Dec 17, 2021

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