David Crawford Obituary

David Maurice Crawford, Jr.
Affectionately known as "Big Moses," "Big Mo," and "Biggie" by his many friends in New Orleans, David M. Crawford, Jr. was the beloved son of Jarlene Thornton Crawford and the late David M. Crawford, Sr. His younger years were spent with his grandparents, the late Gloriadean and Bathelona J. Thornton who affectionately claimed him as their only son. His Grandfather called him DooDoo.
On December 2, 2000, David married the love of his life, Tayan Alexis. From their union came their cherished son, David M. Crawford III.
David was a committed and dependable husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was christened at three months old by his godmother, Paulette Lanaux, and the late Tyrone Davis, and later baptized at age nine by his great-grandfather, Rev. Thomas H. Sears, at Original Morning Star Baptist Church. There, he participated in the youth choir, drill team, and junior usher board.
David was educated in New Orleans public and private schools, attending Mary D. Coghill Elementary, St. Gabriel Middle School, and graduating from St. Augustine High School in 1987. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from the University of Dubuque, where he also played basketball.
A gifted athlete from a young age, David played football, basketball, and baseball at Pontchartrain Park, earning spots on the All-Star Babe Ruth Baseball and Biddy Basketball teams. His athletic prowess led him to St. Augustine High School, where he played both baseball and basketball, eventually focusing on basketball - the sport that earned him the nickname "Big Moses," after NBA legend Moses Malone. He later played college basketball at the University of Dubuque where he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. He went on to play semi-professionally in Tralee, Ireland.
After returning to the U.S., David worked as a counselor for disabled youth in Dubuque, Iowa. Eventually, he returned home to New Orleans and joined the family's transportation business as a taxi driver. He later worked as a medical assistant at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, transporting patients. His cheerful, kind-hearted nature made him beloved by staff and patients alike.
David was a happy, carefree, and jovial soul who loved making others laugh. A gentle giant with a generous spirit, he brought joy to all who knew him. He retired from the VA after falling ill following Hurricane Katrina.
In addition to his athletic and professional accomplishments, David was a gifted writer and a kind, thoughtful man who left a lasting legacy of love and resilience.
He is survived by his loving wife, Tayan Alexis Crawford; his mother, Jarlene Crawford; sons, David M. Crawford III, Tony Sr and a host of sons residing in Houston, TX.; grandchildren, Tony Jr., True, and Eden; his brother, Christopher X. Crawford, Sr.; his sister, Thea Fields; sisters-in-law, Terrie, Terrell and the late Angela; brothers-in-law, Tarrie, Ted and David; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends - including his dear friend Talmadge Scott.
David, thank you for the joy you brought to our lives and for showing us how to face adversity with strength. Even when you grew tired, you showed us how to love deeply and live fully. Most importantly, you knew Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
You will be forever missed and forever loved.
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