Funeral services for William R Crawford Jr. (Russell), 79, of Waukee Iowa, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Assemblies of God Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Lee Freshour will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. William died Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa.

William R. Crawford Jr. was born on June 30, 1933, in Hollandale, the son of William R Crawford Sr. and Gladys (Bailey) Crawford. Russell grew up in the Oakland area and went to school in Hollandale. He farmed with his father for a number of years, then worked as a heavy equipment operator for a few years. He then drove truck for more than 40 years. He moved to Waukee and lived there for about 42 years. He was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman and hunter. Russell particularly enjoyed fishing with his sons and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Ilene (Dow) Crawford; siblings: Miriam Younker, Pauline Vaale, Doris Avery, Thelma Remick and Mel Chandler; children: Craig R. and Karen Crawford, James R. Crawford, Randall R. and Shirley Crawford, Bryan R. and Kim Crawford, Larry R. and Mary Crawford; stepchildren: Mitch Wadding, Jan Castagnoli, Peg Muell, Diane Bassman, Vern Dow and Brian Dow; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; a brother in infancy, his sister Zelma Crawford, daughter in-law Cindy Crawford, wife Beverly (Hansen) Crawford, and wife Eileen (Wendelboe) Crawford and all of his aunts and uncles.