White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – Donald W. Crawford, 95 years old, of Independence, IA, died Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Lexington Estates at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. – Friday, July 18, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence with burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Independence.

Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Friday at the church.

Donald Wade Crawford was born July 5, 1930, in Independence, IA, the son of Wade Elmer Crawford and Louise Emma Holle. He attended school in Independence and graduated high school with the class of 1948. He attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette, IA, and played football on scholarship. On June 15, 1949, he was united in marriage to LaVerna “Belle” Basquin at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence. Together they made their home outside of Independence and raised their family on the farm. Don was a member of the Farm Bureau, Rotary International, and he enjoyed square dancing with the Independence Merry Mixers. He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence where he was active in the church choir for many years.

Don is survived by three daughters, Linda Walthart of Independence, Susan (Aaron) Doan of Independence, Judy (Ed) DePaepe of Waterloo, IA; two sons, Jeff (Farzaneh) Crawford of San Diego, CA, and Mark (Micky) Crawford of Independence; 10 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife LaVerna “Belle” Crawford (2006); four sisters, LaVon Fisher, Norine Crawford, Wylmarie Rasmussen, Donna Manson; three brothers, Caryel Crawford, Earl Crawford, and Robert Crawford; and one son-in-law, Steve Walthart.

Memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Independence; Camp Courageous of Iowa in Monticello or a local FFA Chapter in the donor’s area.

Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com.

White Funeral Home, Independence, is in charge of arrangements.