Jonathan W. Crawford

Jonathan W. Crawford of Caro, age 61, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, January 18, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Jon was born on December 19, 1964, in Saginaw, the son of the late Lewis and JoAnne (Emery) Crawford. A lifelong Caro resident, Jon graduated from Caro High School with the Class of 1983. He was united in marriage with the love of his life, the former Kelly Jaster, on August 19, 1995. Together, they shared over thirty years of marriage and raised their twin daughters in a home Jon built just down the road from where he grew up.

Jon began his working career with his brother, Tom, at Tuscola Brokers before eventually going to work for CMS Oil Company as a maintenance man for gas stations throughout the Thumb Region. That career spanned nearly twenty years. In 2005, Jon became self-employed, taking on various odd jobs, before later delivering propane for Caro Rental until his medical retirement in December of 2020. He also worked for James L. Rolka Electric, where he served as Jim’s trusted right-hand man for many years. A natural craftsman and carpenter, Jon built three homes, along with decks, storage units, and even a playhouse for his daughters, among countless other projects. He truly embodied the saying “jack-of-all-trades, master of none,” possessing a vast range of knowledge on many subjects. Jon was also a landlord for more than thirty-five years, managing four of his own rental properties, and he hauled sugar beets for several seasons for Pat Sheridan Farms.

Jon was rarely without a project and always kept himself busy. He took great pride in mowing and maintaining his lawn and enjoyed tinkering with his John Deere tractors. In his younger years, Jon was an avid fisherman and owned several boats throughout his life, each proudly named “The Eliminator.” Jon loved to reminisce and share stories from his life, especially with his daughters around the dinner table. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh...especially at his own jokes. In more recent years, Jon could often be found relaxing in his recliner, watching his beloved Detroit Tigers.

Jon is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Kelly Crawford; the lights of his life, his twin daughters, Whitney and Kayla Crawford; his dog and loyal companion, Annabelle; his brother and best friend, Tim Crawford (Mary David); sisters-in-law, Cindy Crawford Sanborn, Marilyn Hoppe, Debbie Jaster, and Cindy Lothrop (Patrick); brothers-in-law, Ron (Kathy) and Gary Jaster; nieces, Carrie Crawford (Pat Reitmeyer, Sr.), Bethany Hill (Matt), and Betsy Jaster; nephew, Cevin Crawford (Samantha); and several other nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, and friends. In addition to his parents, Jon was preceded in death by a brother, Tom Crawford; sister, LuAnne Crawford; his father- and mother-in-law, Norma and Martin Jaster; and brother-in-law, Carl Hoppe.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at the Ransford Funeral Home – Caro with Pastor Brad Speirs officiating. Burial will take place at Almer Township Cemetery in Caro at a later date. Jon’s family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home in Caro on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to Cass River Pet Friendz.