About This Memory Space
This page was created for Charles E. Crawford's family and friends as a place to remember them, to share stories, and to keep their memory close in everyday life.
It is cared for and added to over time by the people who knew them, and everyone is invited to contribute, whether that is a story, a photo, a few words, or a simple note.
Many families visit places like this not just once, but again and again, especially on quiet days or meaningful anniversaries. This page is here for those moments, wherever you are.
A place to return to when you want to feel close again, to remember a moment, or to leave a few words for others to read. Over time, it grows through the voices of everyone who knew and loved them.
Light a Candle Growing
Light a candle to honor Charles E. Crawford's memory. Each lighting keeps their memory burning bright for 23 hours.
Candle lit burns 23 hours. Come back and light it again after 23 hours to keep the memory burning.
Limited to 5 lightings per hour to prevent abuse.
Memory Wall Growing
Stories, photos, and memories shared by people who knew Charles E. Crawford. This is the heart of this space—a collection that grows as more people contribute.
No memories posted yet. Be the first to share a story or memory.
Life & Legacy
Charles E. Crawford devoted his life to education, faith, and the joy of family connections, leaving behind a legacy of steadfast commitment and quiet heroism that inspired all who knew him.
Born in the rolling hills of Austin, Kentucky, Charles Estil Crawford grew up in a close-knit family, honing values of loyalty and perseverance that would define his path. After high school in Bowling Green, he pursued higher education, earning a college degree and a master's from Western Kentucky University. In 1961, he settled in Indianapolis, where he built a fulfilling career and deep roots. His marriage to Margaret Burnley on October 26, 1967, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, marked the start of 58 years of devoted partnership, with Charles tenderly calling her 'Faye.' A pillar of Fisher's Church of Christ, he served faithfully until his final days, embodying a life of spiritual dedication akin to running a purposeful race.
For 43 years, Charles poured his passion into teaching mathematics at Indianapolis Public Schools, shaping the minds of countless elementary students with patience and clarity. His long tenure reflected not just professional skill but a genuine calling to nurture young learners and foster their confidence in tackling challenges.
Photos of Life
Family & Loved Ones
Cherished moments with kin brought out Charles's playful spirit and protective heart—he once shielded his baby sister from discipline, taking the consequences himself. Nieces and nephews adored 'Steebo' or 'Uncle Chuck' for his endless fun, like dashing upstairs for prank calls, and his thoughtful tradition of birthday cards hiding two-dollar bills, no matter their age. His enduring bond with wife Faye anchored everything, while he stayed connected to sister Emma J. Barfield, sister-in-law Gerlean Crawford, cousins Judith Mason Johnson, Richard Lewis, and Dorothy Bibbs, plus numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Preceded by parents C.H. and Maude Lee Crawford, brothers Clyde Jr. and Oscar Henry, and infant sister Gertrude, Charles wove family into the fabric of his days.
Remembered by Friends & Family
Tributes from across Charles's circles highlight a man whose gentle guidance in classrooms and unwavering faith left an indelible mark, with many recalling his infectious humor and selfless acts that brightened everyday life.
For those looking for service information