Allen Grant Crawford

December 15, 1955 – October 23, 2022

"THE WALKING MAN"

A Gentle, quiet, soft-spoken man. Allen would find solace in walking, not just from place to place, and he also used it to pass the time. Walking was something Allen tremendously enjoyed. Allen was a man of few words and not easily vexed; however, once provoked, Allen would let you know exactly how he felt.

Born in the late fall of 1955, on Thursday, the 15th day of December, in Oklahoma City, OK. The high temperature was 31°, with a low of 16°. While in the Crawford household, there was warmth beyond measure with the new arrival of the first son born to Grant Lee and Maxine Crawford. A handsome, strapping lad whom Grant and Maxine named Allan Grant Crawford. The Crawford relocated to Denver, Colorado, in 1956. A family full of LOVE, so much so that Grant and Maxine added four more children to the fold Grant L. Crawford III, Joan' Angel', Esther and Byron.

Educated in Public Schools, Allen faced developmental challenges. And yet, that never slowed him down. He graduated from Sewall school.

Allen had the pleasure of stepping in for his father and walking his sister Joan down the aisle on her wedding day.

Allen knew God and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and savior. At age 10, Allen, his brothers, and sisters were baptized at the Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Denver, Co, by Rev. Wendell T. Liggins. Later Allen joined Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorship of Reverend Henry Miles.

As mentioned before, Allen loved to walk. On many of Allan's walks, he would find keys, key chains, and cigarette lighters, and he started collecting them and placing them in each jar. Yet his walks would take him to two of his favorite places. Pete's Kitchen at Colfax Ave and Race Street for that coffee and some friendly conversation. Everyone that went to Pete's for coffee knew Allen. If the family needed to find Allen, they only had to look at Pete's Kitchen for him. Allen also liked to hang out at the car wash on 35th Avenue and Downing and help out whoever needed help.

Allen loved being around his family, especially his brothers. They would sit on the porch, people-watching. He liked to go to family reunions and absorb all the love on display. In his jar of key chains, he linked the family together.

Allen liked working with electronics and loved listening to the radio and watching television simultaneously, especially cartoons.

In Allen's jar of keys, Allen found a key to the heavenly gates as he passed through them on October 23, 2022. There to meet him were Father Grant, Mother Maxine, and Brother Grant III.

In Allen's jar of lighters, he ignited a flame that would burn for eternity. While grief is the price, we pay for love!

Allen's life will ricochet for infinity in the lives of those he leaves behind. Four sisters, Augusta Crawford, Elaine (Anthony) King, Joan 'Angel' Sykes, Esther (Phillip) Lewis, and one brother, Byron Crawford. Fourteen nieces and nephews; fourteen great-nieces and nephews; one great-great nephew; and many relatives and friends.

Your Spirit

I know that no matter what
You will always be with me.
When life separates us
I'll know it is only your soul
Saying goodbye to your body
But your spirit will be with me always.
When I see a bird chirping on a nearby branch
I will know it is you singing to me.
When a butterfly brushes gently by me so care freely
I will know it is you assuring me you are free from pain.
When the gentle fragrance of a flower catches my attention
I will know it is you reminding me
To appreciate the simple things in life.
When the sun shining through my window awakens me
I will feel the warmth of your love.
When I hear the rain pitter patter against my window sill
I will hear your words of wisdom
And will remember what you taught me so well'
That without rain trees cannot grow
Without rain flowers cannot bloom
Without life's challenges I cannot grow strong.
When I look out to the sea
I will think of your endless love for your family.
When I think of mountains, their majesty and magnificence
I will think of your courage for your country.
No matter where I am
Your spirit will be beside me
For I know that no matter what
You will always be with me.