Gerald Reed Crawford, lovingly known as Jerry by all that knew him, of Brookville, was born on March 18, 1948, in Batesville, Indiana, the cherished son of Joseph L. and Marie H. Crawford (nee Dudley). He was a proud graduate of Whitewater High School, Class of 1966.He proudly served his country with the U.S. Army during The Vietnam War. He was awarded a Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, as well as a Vietnam Campaign Medal. A few years after coming home from the war, Jerry met and later married Deborah Sue Montoney on October 15, 1977, who preceded him in death on October 1, 2023. He was proud to be a farmer, working on the family farm for nearly all his life in Springfield Township. Jerry was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, VFW Post 2014, as well as the American Legion Bernard Hurst Post #77. He was employed at College Corner Implement for several years. Jerry served as a volunteer firefighter for West College Corner Fire Department for over 39 years. In his spare time, Jerry found great joy in fishing, catching the NASCAR race on TV, visiting dear friends in Pennsylvania, and most of all, spending time with his family.
On Monday, June 22, 2026, at the age of 78, Jerry passed away peacefully at his lifelong home on the family farm with loved ones by his side.
Those surviving who will carry Jerry’s legacy forward include one stepson, Terry Joe Dare and his spouse, Debbie Estep; grandchildren, Joseph (Mallory) Dare and Emily Dare; five great-grandchildren, Karsyn Ball, Jamison Dare, Holden Dare, Roman Jordan, and Ada Jordan; one brother, Joseph R. “Dick” (Rose) Crawford; nieces and nephews, James (Jane) Crawford, Irene Crawford, Holly Crawford, Nikki (Chad) Michalek, Karen Crawford, and Jason (Ann) Huffine; as well as many close friends. In addition to his parents and wife Deborah, Jerry was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Kathy Huffine; brother-in-law, Bill Huffine; and one nephew, Patrick Huffine.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30th from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home, 929 Main Street in Brookville. The Holy Rosary will be prayed prior to visitation at 8:45 a.m. Father Larry R. Tharp will officiate a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, 145 E. St. Michael Blvd in Brookville. Burial with full military honors provided by the American Legion Bernard Hurst Post #77 will follow immediately after in St. Michael Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in honor of Jerry may be directed to the West College Corner Fire Department. Donations will be accepted in person at the visitation, or they can be mailed to the funeral home, 929 Main Street, Brookville, Indiana 47012.
To share a fond memory, leave a personal condolence, or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home are honored to care for Jerry and his family.