Lyman Gerald "Twinny" Crawford was born on July 13, 1944 in Sisseton, South Dakota to Edward J. and Jeanette (Kitto) Crawford Sr. He grew up on a small farm, in a twelve-room house, and was taught strong work ethics at an early age in a Native Christian home. Lyman was educated at Old Agency, SD and Peever, SD Schools. Lyman graduated from Peever High School in1963.
After graduation Lyman attended Vo-Tech college's in Minneapolis, MN and Provo, Utah. He also attended Cook Christian Training School in Tempe Arizona. In 1970, Lyman was sent to summer internship at the Lindsey Presbyterian Church in Poplar, Montana on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. This is where he met and married Patricia Iron Cloud in 1971. From this marriage were born 5 sons and 4 daughters; Courage Lymanson Eric, Angela Hope, Freedom Lyman, Elizabeth Promise, Season Jo (deceased,) Sunni Elise, Baby Lyman Jr. (deceased,) Challenge Legrand and Liberty Gerald Crawford. Lyman worked as a skilled carpenter for many years; building many, many structures throughout MT, MN and SD, many of these structures still stand strong today; to include, Dakota Sioux Casino, Poplar Middle School and A&S Tribal Industries in Poplar Montana. Lyman also spread the word of God as a lay pastor for the Dakota Presbyterian Church and as an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints throughout all Indian Country. Lyman helped build all Indian people's faith in Christ, which still stands today. Lyman was a great singer, leader and speaker amongst all Indian people, he always had a good word to say and possessed strength that spread throughout all he touched with his laugh, singing and prayer. Lyman was well known throughout all of Indian Country for his love of sports, the outdoors and helping at many wakes, services, ceremonies and gatherings. Lyman also played on many, many softball, basketball and bowling championship teams. Lyman loved to watch PGA Golf on the weekends always cheered on his beloved Minnesota Vikings! Lyman was also elected by his people as a Tribal Executive for the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, serving as Tribal Secretary from 1993-94. Lyman worked many jobs to provide for his family; working as a tribal police officer, a security officer, oilfield roughneck, chef, small business owner and professional gambler.
In 2005, Lyman married the love of his life Eldoth Cook in Wagner, South Dakota, and through this marriage gained a daughter, Christian Cook. Lyman's greatest hobby was fishing. He loved to sit down by Enemy Swim Lake or Lake Traverse or Fort Peck Lake with all his family and friends and cast his line in and wait for the big one to bite. Lyman will always be remembered to be with his "Twinny," Lyle Herald Crawford, "THE DUKE" who already left to "break trails" to the other side for his twin. Lyman was known for his many sayings and humor and would definitely "tell you like it is." So "don't feel alone," and always "stay strong,"
Lyman is survived by his wife Eldoth Crawford of Wagner, SD, children, Courage (Rebecca) Crawford of Wolf Point, MT, Angela Hope Crawford Brown, of Rapid City SD, Freedom (Stacie) Crawford of Wolf Point, MT, Promise Crawford of Rapid City, SD, Sunni (Adam) Crawford Waddoups of Chubbuck ID, Challenge Crawford of Poplar, MT, Liberty (Rena "Reba") Crawford of Poplar, MT, adopted daughters Christian Cook of Wagner, SD and Lisa Kay Farmer of Shakopee, MN, his Grandchildren, Hailen, Brevin, Brighten, Season, Jurnie, Canyon, Courage, Royal, Conner, Julian, David, Courage, Lauren, Alexandra, Isabelle, Francesca, Miley and Makenzie, Sophia, Justice, Tyler, Mari, Henry, Airess Grace, Mikayla, Madison, Braxton and one special Shunka "Stanley." his brothers and sisters, Iva, Kay, Liz, Big Nick, Edwane, JC and Jenny. Lyman was proceeded in death by his daughter Season Jo and baby son Lyman Jr., his Grandson Jeremy Kris Brown Jr. his mother and father Edward and Jeanette Crawford, his Brothers, James. Edward, Herbert, Sam, Joe, Terry and his twin, Lyle; his sisters, Bernita and Abbey.