Harlan George Crawford

Harlan G Crawford was born February 13, 1924, in Silva, North Dakota, to George and Anna Stella (Chervenka) Crawford. He grew up with three sisters and five brothers in the Salem area.  After graduating from Salem High School in 1941, Harlan enlisted in the Army and served for two years during WWII, fighting on the front lines. He received the American Theater Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, and Philippine Liberation Medal with one Bronze Service Star. He was a qualified sharpshooter and the use of his skills in New Guinea and Luzon meant that many of his men survived. Once honorably discharged from service to his country, Harlan returned stateside. Growing up, Harlan was neighbors with the McCormick family, and when he returned from the war, he married Ora McCormick on June 28, 1947, in Kelso, Washington. The couple settled in the Salem area and welcomed two sons, Ted and Al. Harlan was a self-employed general contractor and builder and built custom homes and industrial buildings. He loved the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest, hunting, and fishing whenever he could. Harlan went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, October 18, 2020, with his son Al and several loving caregivers by his side. He was preceded in death by beloved wife of 51 years, Ora; his parents George and Anna. Harlan will be laid to rest with honors at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, beside his wife Ora.