Funeral Service for Edwane Alvan Crawford, 66, of Agency Village, South Dakota will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 12:00 P.M. at the Tribal Community Center, Agency Village, SD with Rev. Ron K. and Rev. Danielle McKinney, Rev. Enright Big Horn and Elder J.C. Crawford officiating. Pianist will be Billy Kohl. Pallbearers will be James Crawford III, Jay Crawford III, Dana J. Crawford, Sam Crawford Jr., Steve Farmer, Jr., Courage Crawford, Jack Crawford, Carlton Crawford, Darwin James and Thomas German Sr. Honorary Pallbearers will be "All of Edwane's fellow SWO Co-workers, All Dakota Presbytery Elders and St. Andrew Brotherhood Members." Interment will be at Goodwill Presbyterian Cemetery Agency Village, SD. Family Service will be Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. at the Goodwill Presbyterian Church, Agency Village, SD. Wake services will be Thursday, October 2, 2014 at the Tribal Community Center at 7:00 P.M. and all night wake Friday, October 3, 2014 at the Tribal Community Center starting at 7:00 P.M. The Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD is in charge of the arrangements.
Edwane Alvan Crawford and his twin, Edwin Alvin Crawford were born on December 22, 1947 at IHS, Sisseton, SD. The sons of Edward J. and Jeanette (Kitto) Crawford Sr. Edwane and his twin Edwin were the 13th and 14th children of a family of 17. They were baptized by the Rev. Lloyd Redeagle at the Goodwill Presbyterian Church. Edwane was a very active member of Goodwill Presbyterian Church. He served as a Ruling Elder for many years and attended without fail, the Dakota Presbytery and Mission meetings. In January 1979, Edwane started his employment with the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. He worked at the agency C-Store as a butcher. His cousin Franklin Crawford was his mentor in butchering. He worked there for three years and then in 1982 he started working at the tribe as a Maintenance/Custodial employee. He worked in this capacity from 1982 to 2013 upon his retirement. During this interim he worked very well with all of his co-workers, executives and council. He viewed his role as a servant to his people. He was a very humbled, common man who had respect for everyone. He arrived at work early everyday regardless of weather conditions. He put the coffee on for all the employees in the tribal and BIA buildings, raised the flags, and made sure the sidewalks were safe for his fellow workers. He took pride in his work and kept the grounds neatly mowed. Upon his retirement, many of his fellow workers missed him dearly. He had a smile and a handshake for all mankind. Edwane passed away on Monday, September 30, 2014 at his home on Little Crow Drive Agency Village, SD.
To the best of our ability we siblings make every effort to include in our daily lives the Christian teachings and values practiced by our parents. Edwane was given direction early in life. Be assured, Edwane in his own humble manner, did practice the Christian values that we were taught by our parents. We understand we are not perfect. We know our sins have been paid in full by Jesus Christ. Through our faith, trust, love, and forgiveness, we pray we will someday be reunited with our loved ones through Jesus Christ.
Edwane will be greatly missed by his brother Edwin "Big Nick" Crawford of Agency Village, SD; three sisters, Iva Crawford of Minneapolis, MN, Kay Bursheim of Agency Village, SD and Elizabeth Crawford of Minneapolis, MN; adopted brothers Fr. Les Campbell and Leslie Barse Sr.; adopted sisters Angela Campbell, Carole Adams, Ramona Renville and Juanita Kirk; two special granddaughters, Tiffani Crawford-DeMarrias of Sisseton, SD and Alex Crawford of Agency Village, SD; two special great-granddaughters Harmony and MiraclesYankton of Sisseton, SD; All of his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Edwane was preceded in death by his parents Edward J. and Jeanette (Kito) Crawford Sr., infant twin Jack, infant brother Cletus, brothers James Sr., Edward Sr., Herbert, Samuel Sr., Joseph, Lyle, Lyman, and Terry; and two sisters, Abigail and Bernita; and adopted brothers Fr. Ron, Dan, and Roger Campbell.