Michael Earl Crawford, known fondly as Mike, was born May 3, 1938, near Omaha, Nebraska. He passed away May 8, 2026, at his home in Broken Bow, Nebraska.
Mike was raised in Curtis, Nebraska, by his loving parents, James and Ethel Crawford. He attended the University of Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis through his junior year of high school. From there, he attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, a university best known for its Evangelical Christian values. After a year at Bob Jones, Mike returned to Curtis to complete his senior year before entering the United States Air Force. His family upbringing and time at Bob Jones set the tone for his role as a chaplain in the Air Force and also the rest of his life. Mike went to Parks Air Force Base in California for basic training. During this time, he was appointed “first organist” for chapel and also played in the airmen’s choir. After graduating basic training, Mike would be stationed at RAF Lakenheath in England for the duration of his military service.
Upon completing his service, Mike returned to Curtis, where he wore many hats over the next few years. He owned and operated his own carpentry business, as well as a café and the local newspaper.
Mike would go on to become a drug and alcohol counselor at the Norton Correctional Facility in Norton, Kansas. This was a position he was very proud of, as Mike himself went on to celebrate 44 years of sobriety.
Mike joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Over the years, he served many roles with the church, from pianist to various leadership positions.
Mike continued serving the community as a caretaker for Mid-Nebraska, both in North Platte and Broken Bow. He later worked as a night supervisor at Jack & Jill in Broken Bow and is fondly remembered by many for carrying groceries to people’s cars.
Mike married Becky (Arnold) Waudby on July 20, 2001, in Broken Bow, Nebraska, where they resided until his passing.
Mike had a love for the outdoors. Camping with Becky in the hearse was a reflection of their unique spirit and sense of humor. At home, his yard, flowers and properly displaying the United States flag were of the utmost importance. He had a bird feeder outside his window and enjoyed yelling at the “tree rats” — aka squirrels. Mike enjoyed woodworking, model cars, Legos, and creating folk art for his family and friends. Mike had a lifelong love and talent for music, playing multiple instruments, often playing at church services and memorials. Most of all, he loved spending time with family and friends.
Mike is survived by his wife, Becky Crawford; his children, Dale Crawford (Cynthe),Shaun Crawford (Stephanie), Brooke Daake (Doug), Michael D. Crawford, Kenny Crawford (Melissa) Eve Conner, Theresa Dubbs (Matt), Chris Waudby (Kate) and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mike requested that those attending the service wear bright, colorful clothing. Memorials are suggested to the family.
Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1108 South 1st Avenue Broken Bow, NE. Burial will be at 2:00 PM at the Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, NE with Military Honors. Memorials are suggested to the Family. A visitation and time to greet the family will be held on Tuesday, May 12th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow.
