Evan Hollis Crawforth
EVAN HOLLIS “HOLLY” CRAWFORTH
February 2, 2015
Evan passed away at home peacefully with family on February 2nd, 2015 when his big 92 year old heart finally gave up. Typical of him, he had seen loved ones and friends, put all his affairs in order and planned all he could for the rest of us.
Evan was born to Evan and Cora Crawforth in Moroni, Utah, on August 17, 1922. Most knew him as Holly because as a young boy his mom called him her “ little hollyhock”. The family moved to McGill, Nevada in 1924 where his dad worked for Kennecott Copper, and the family of 8 lived through the good times and tough times of the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s. Holly completed all his schooling in White Pine County and was a good student in Math and Writing and was the editor of the school paper. He was not allowed to play football because of a “leaky” heart from Rheumatic Fever as a youth but was allowed on the track team and boy could he pole vault and run the mile – go figure! He even took a state championship.
After graduation from high school, Holly went to work for Kennecott as an electrical apprentice. When World War II broke out he enlisted in the Navy and became a radioman because of his math skills and electrical experience. His first assignment was aboard cargo ships to Europe dodging “U” Boats in the North Atlantic on the “runs to Mermansk”. .
Next he was assigned to the escort aircraft carrier “St. Lo” and saw action in several battles in the Pacific until his ship was sunk by a kamikaze plane in the battle of Leyte Gulf off the Philippines. After 23 hours in the water and rescue by a U. S. Destroyer he made hospital leave in San Diego where he met a cute little brunette from back east named Lucille James. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and received several commendations including a Purple Heart, and Silver and Bronze Stars.
Holly and Lucille were married after the war in 1945 in Ely, Nevada and would have celebrated 70 years together this November. Returning to Ely meant
completing his electrical apprenticeship and starting a family. Holly worked on several electric jobs in Utah and Northern Nevada and settled in Reno in 1960 where he later became the Apprentishment Coordinator for the IBEW #401 and was appointed to several boards and councils.
Although, like all veterans, he never spoke much of his service but he was proud to be a founder and president of the St. Lo Association and helping his shipmates get the recognition they deserve, including the poems he wrote for them which has been published and displayed at several memorials.
Holly was a very supportive family man: Father, husband, veteran, and a union member, and supported several charitable organizations. One of his greatest joys was helping others achieve their goals through teaching, mentoring, or whatever support he could offer, and being quietly proud when they succeeded.
He enjoyed history of all kinds, loved animals, and Nevada’s outdoors, professional sports (49ers) and taking care of home and Lucille.
He was predeceased by his parents; sisters Irene, Iris and Colleen and brother Carroll . He is survived by wife, Lucille, sister Beverly (Frank) of Kaysville, Utah, Brother Linden (Anita) of Truckee, California his beloved dog Kelly, Son Terry (Cathy), grandson Christopher (Ronna) of Gardnerville, Granddaughter Sarah (Scott) of Elko , and Great Granddaughters, Zoë & Hollie of Elko and Macy of Gardnerville and several nieces and nephews.
Special appreciation to Sammy Valera and his staff at Longevity Care, Dr Denver Miller, all the staff at the VA hospital, Reno; Gentiva hospice staff, and Eric Beyer and Donnalee (Ace) Frazee. Your phenomenal compassion and expertise are amazing!
Funeral services are planned for 11:00 a.m. February 21st at the LDS Stake Center at 2505 Kings Row, Reno. Reception following for all at the church.
Following on February 23rd at 10 a.m. a Memorial Service and Interment will be held at the Veterans Cemetery in Fernley, Nevada, all are welcome.
Flowers would be appreciated or a donation to the Nevada Humane Society in Holly’s name, if you prefer.
Holly had a “great run” and the good Lord saved him from several tragedies so he could enjoy serving all of us. So as you ended your poem, “Echoes from off Samar”, WE WILL NOT FORGET YOUR NAME.