Funeral Service for Edwin Dale Crawford, Hehaka Ohitika (Brave Elk), 67, of Sisseton, SD will be held on Monday, March 12, 2012 at SWST Tribal Community Center at 2 PM with Ron Cook, Shayne Cook, Wambdi Cook, and Russell Smith officiating. Special Music by Dale's granddaughters and Drum group "All of Dale's nephews. Pallbearers will be Rick Crawford, Vernon (Pasa) Renville, Harvey Crawford, Vernie Driver Jr., Louie Johnson, Bryan DuMarce, Jimmy Smith, and Norman Redwing Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be Lester Crawford, Lloyd Crawford, Eldon Lawrence, Frankie Robertson, Ed Williams, John Eagle, Wambdi Cook, Ron Cook, Shayne Cook, Russell Smith, Arnold Williams, Dr. John Husted, and "All Sundancers and Pipe Carriers". Interment will be at the Sisseton-Wahpeton Traditional Burial Grounds, Sisseton, SD. There will be wake services on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the SWST Tribal Community Center starting at 7:30 PM. The Cahill Funeral Chapel of Sisseton, SD is in charge of arrangements.
Edwin Dale Crawford was born to Lloyd Crawford Sr. and Elissa (Wanna) Crawford on December 2, 1944 in Bremerton, Washington. Dale attended elementary school in Sisseton and Flandreau. He graduated from high school, in Boys Town, Nebraska. In November, 1971, he married Linda Driver in Wahpeton, ND, where they resided until 1975 when they moved to Lawrence, Kansas to attend college. In 1977, they moved to Vermillion, SD and attended the University of SD where he received his B.A. in social work. In 1979, they moved to Sisseton. Dale held various positions within the tribe. He was the director of the Adolescent Residential Center at Old Agency and was instrumental in getting it licensed as a group home. He then worked as the Director of Facilities at TZTS for 10 years until he was forced to retire in 1999, due to his failing health. He was actively involved in politics and sat on the Tribal Council prior to his health failing. Dale loved visiting people, going out to eat breakfast with his "Koda's", watching old western movies and being with his family. Dale struggled with numerous health issues but, always had a positive attitude. He did many good things in his life time and will especially be remembered for his strong belief and commitment to the traditional way of life. He attended sweats, ceremonies and Sundances and helped in whatever way he could. He was instrumental in starting the Buffalo Lake Sundance in 1981. Dale passed away peacefully on March 7, 2012 at his home.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Elissa, Two brothers, Lloyd Jr., and Richard Crawford and his paternal and maternal grandparents, Abraham and Cora Crawford and David and Florence Wanna; one hukan brother, Norman Redwing and two hukan sisters, Shirley Johnson and Rita (Brant) Holy Bull.
Dale is survived by his best friend and companion, Linda of 40 years, four daughters, Mindy Crawford of Sisseton, SD, Terri Crawford of Agency Village, SD, Jackie Crawford of Sisseton, SD and Vanessa Driver of Watertown, SD, two sons, Darren Crawford of Sisseton, SD and Vernie Driver, Jr. of Watertown, SD, one daughter by traditional adoption, Diantha Larson of Sisseton, SD, one brother Vernon Crawford of Sisseton and one hukan brother, Gary Holy Bull, 19 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.