Gary Maynard Crawford

Gary was born Nov. 2, 1955, in Charleston, a son of the late Rev. W. Maynard and Laura Kathryn Crawford.

Surviving are two daughters, Jen Force and Melissa Kellogg of Downingtown, Pennsylvania; a sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and Jeff Welshonce of Elkins; two nephews, Tom (Carolyn) Welshonce of Wexford, Pennsylvania, and Mike (Elizabeth) Welshonce of Manquin, Virginia; and three great-nephews, Eben, Jack and Clay.

Gary was a graduate of Pocahontas County High School with the class of 1974. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science at West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1978 and a master’s degree at The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1980. Gary lived and worked near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for many years before moving to Elkins in 2007. After moving to Elkins, Gary served as the Contemporary Worship Praise Leader at First United Methodist Church, and later played guitar for the Heart of Worship praise team. He was very proud of the praise team and thoroughly enjoyed every performance.

Gary loved his family, his friends, his church, his guitars and the Philadelphia Eagles. He had a quick wit and terrific sense of humor. He and the family were very grateful for the excellent and compassionate medical care he received over the last few years at both Davis Medical Center and Mon Health Medical Center.

The family will receive friends at the First United Methodist Church on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, from noon to 2 p.m., with final rites to be conducted at 2 p.m. The Rev. Brian Seders will officiate and burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Elkins.

The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to the Heart of Worship praise team at First United Methodist Church, 315 Kerens Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241.

The Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Gary Maynard Crawford.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com.