Donald L. Crawford , 80, of Center, passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2021, in San Augustine.

Visitation will be held from Noon to 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 7, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with graveside service following at 2:30 p.m. at Powdrill Cemetery in Shelby County.  Bro. L.D. Eddins will officiate.

Born November 17, 1940, in Shelby County, Donald is the son of the late Henry Ernest Crawford and Earline Patterson Crawford. A farmer by trade, he had a versatile portfolio of jobs.  As a young boy he worked with his dad and brothers on their family farm, growing cotton, cattle, poultry and watermelons.  He became a truck driver and also worked off shore on oil rigs during his middle aged years.  In his later years he tried his hand at entrepreneurship by opening Don's Plants in Nacogdoches.  His hard work and dedication paid off as it was a successful business for 15 years until he retired.  His hard work ethic, honesty, and integrity are things he prided himself in.  He made it his sole mission to pass on these qualities to his grandchildren.  Through his retirement years he enjoyed traveling, hunting, and fishing with his family, and especially with his brother, Possum.  He was actively able to enjoy all of the things he loved to do, even up until death.

His pride and joy were his grandchildren.  He made sure he spent quality time with them hunting, fishing, and bestowing upon them life lessons through his memorable lifetime stories. Most people will remember his deep affectionate grin and his attempt to always try to get a rise out of you with his jokes.  But to his family, he was a provider, caretaker, and above all else a gentle, kind, and loveable grandpa.  He was the heart and soul of our family.  His lively spirit and sense of adventure will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his son, Steven Lane Crawford and wife Lori of Timpson; grandchildren, Brandi Brown and husband Chad of Nacogdoches, Amber Luzko and husband Sergey of Knoxville, Tennessee, Lisa Eddins and husband Daniel of Huntington, Joel Crawford of Timpson, and Cody Crawford of Timpson; great grandchildren, Logan Brown, Cayman Brown, Annabelle Luzko, Katya Luzko, and Holden Eddins; brother, Gary "Possum" Crawford of Center; numerous cousins; and a host of friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Crawford; parents, Henry Ernest Crawford and Earline Patterson Crawford; and brother, Earl Crawford.

Pallbearers will be Chad Brown, Daniel Eddins, Tommy Gilbert, Dave Mouch, Lee Rogers, and Kevin Rash.  Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Worsham and Mark Rogers.