Stephen "Steve" B. Crawford, 78 of Abilene, Texas died in Abilene on July 29, 2026.

Steve was born in De Leon, Texas on November 14, 1947, to James B. and Mildred Gage Crawford of San Saba, Texas. He graduated from Cooper High School in 1966. Steve was a member of he Army Reserve from 1968 to 1974 and trained at Fort Polk, Louisiana.

Steve was passionate about his role as a telephone tech beginning with Southwestern Bell and ending with Avaya over a 33 year span. After retirement from the phone companies, he worked for Academy behind the "gun bar."

Everyone who knew Steve, knew how much he loved corvettes, hunting, fishing, and reloading ammunition. Steve also has a soft spot for his furry friends. He treated each and every one of them like valuable members of the family. In the most recent years, you could find Steve in the stands at the Hawley Bearcat football games cheering on his grandsons no matter the weather. Most recently he moved into the gym cheering on his granddaughter during the Hawley Lady Bearcat's basketball games. Steve loved his grandchildren and watching them play sports.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents James B. and Mildred Gage Crawford, Lana Sands (sister) and James C. "J.C." Crawford (brother).

He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Brenda B. Crawford of Abilene, daughter Lisa Strickland and husband David of Hodges, Texas, grandchildren Colton Strickland and wife Haleigh of Anson, Texas, Bradley Strickland and fiancé Faith of Veribest, Texas and Kirsten Strickland of Hodges, Texas as well as two nephews Jeff Crawford and Andy Crawford and his wife, Melanie of Abilene, Texas along with four great grandsons.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Crawford, Andy Crawford, David Strickland, James Strickland, Colton Strickland and Bradley Strickland.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas with graveside services to follow at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas.