DIX — Christopher “Chris” Ellsworth Crawford, 80, of Dix, passed away at 4:23 p.m., Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at St. Louis University Hospital, with his family by his side.

He was born on February 23, 1943, in Salem, Illinois, the son of Wilson “Shorty” and Anna (Meyers) Crawford.  On Nov. 21, 1964, he married Bev Eveland Crawford.

Mr. Crawford is survived by two sons, Dale M. Crawford of Dix, Illinois, and Danny C. Crawford and wife Rhonda of Dix, Illinois. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Tyler W. Crawford and wife Lexie of Sesser, Illinois, Makayla R. Crawford and fiancée Tanner of Centralia, and Colton M. Crawford and friend Ninoshka of Mt, Vernon; seven great-grandchildren, and awaiting a new great-grandbaby girl due in January; brothers, Jim Crawford of Mt, Carmel, Tim Crawford and friend Jane of Mt, Carmel; one sister, Viola Patton of Dix, and Tena Lopez and husband Dan of Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Mitchell Crawford; and a nephew, James Crawford.

Mr. Crawford worked for Centralia Stationary for several years and attended Woodlawn High School. He was an avid outdoorsman and would work on anything if you needed help.

He loved his family very much and was so proud of his boys and grandchildren. He was proud to become a great-grandpa and looked forward to seeing them. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

Cremation rites for Mr. Crawford will be accorded, and a memorial service will be held at a later date.  Memorial gifts may be made to the Osborn Funeral Home, to assist with funeral expenses, and will be accepted at the service, or by mail to Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830.  Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.