Gary Crawford

Gary Jay Crawford

November 22, 1940 - February 23, 2025

A Celebration of life reception will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM at the Broken Bow Municipal Building. Please come and share a memory of Gary with the family. A register book may be signed at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow. Words of remembrance and encouragement can be left at www.govierbrothers.com. Memorials are suggested to the Custer County Foundation and will be designated at a later date. 

Gary Jay Crawford passed away peacefully at home in Broken Bow, Nebraska, surrounded by his family on February 23, 2025. Born in Lexington, Nebraska, on November 22, 1940, he lived a life defined by hard work, generosity, and an unwavering dedication to family.Gary built his career in agriculture, where his work ethic and integrity earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues, employees, and customers alike. He was known as an unselfish man who always put the well-being of others before himself, especially when it came to his family. Nothing brought him greater pride than traveling to support his children and grandchildren in their activities, cheering them on in every endeavor. 

For 44 years, Gary was devoted to the love of his life, Deborah. Their marriage was a partnership built on love, laughter, and unwavering support. Whether tackling life's challenges or celebrating its joys, they faced everything together with deep commitment and care.

Beyond his career and family devotion, Gary had a sharp wit, a kind and compassionate spirit, and a knack for fixing just about anything. He took great pride in his yard, enjoyed collecting, and loved spending time at the lake camping and boating. His resourcefulness was legendary-his famous saying, “I might need that," became a running joke but was a testament to his ability to make use of anything at hand. He also instilled in his children the value of a strong work ethic, believing that “anything worth doing was worth doing right."

A man with a great sense of humor, Gary's presence brought laughter and warmth to those around him. Known affectionately as "Gardog" by his children's friends, he had a gift for making people feel welcome and valued.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Ida (Burr) Crawford.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah (Anderbery) Crawford; his eight children Paula (Mark) Scheil of Hastings, Denise Gibb of Kearney, Brandon Crawford of Kearney, Chelsey (Carlie) Crawford of Elizabeth, CO, Chase (Sarah) Crawford of Hastings, Breanna (Zach) Bartak of Merna, Camarie (Joseph) Wamsley of Broken Bow, and Colten (Branda) Crawford of Holdrege; and kindred family Dusty and Britany Shearer of Kearney. He was a proud grandfather to 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Also survived by three sisters; Glennadele McConnell, Ann Bomberger and Susan Catlin.