Harlan Carlton Crawford, age 56, of Sisseton SD, passed away on Monday, April 16, 2007, at the Coteau des Prairies Hospital in Sisseton, SD.

Harlan Carlton Crawford was born on October 15, 1951 at the Indian Health Hospital, Sisseton, SD the son of Edward J. & Jeanette (Kitto) Crawford, Sr. Harlan aka "Terry" was the youngest child in a family of 17 children. He was baptized by The Rev. Enoch LaPointe at the Goodwill Indian Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the Goodwill Indian Presbyterian Church.

Wake Services were held on Thursday, April 19, 2007 beginning at 6:00 PM with an all night wake on Friday, April 20, 2007 at the Agency Village Community Center, rural Sisseton, SD.

Funeral services for Terry were held on Saturday, April 21, 2007 beginning at 1 PM, at the Old Agency Village Community Center. Officiating were Rev. Ronald K. & Rev. Danelle McKinney, Rev. Les Campbell and Associate Pastor Morgan Redday. Assisting with the wake & song service wereJ.C. Crawford, Gerald Heminger, Jr. and John Cloud, III.

Interment was held at the Goodwill Indian Presbyterian Church cemetery rural Sisseton, SD.

Pallbearers were Chris Redday, Bruce Robertson, Jr., Dana Crawford, James Crawford III, Kevin Farmer, Jared Yammerino, Samuel Crawford,Jr., & Liberty Crawford.

He will be greatly missed by wife Joyce, daughter, Chantel Ileana, son, Carlton Renshaw, brothers, Lyman, Edwane, & Edwin (Nicky), sisters, Kay, Elizabeth, & Iva, special nephew, Dana; special nieces, Emma & Danelle; along with several nephews, nieces, Grand-nephews & Grand nieces, adopted sister: Angela and adopted brothers: Roger & Father Leslie Campbell.

Preceded in death by his parents: Edward J. & Jeanette (Kitto) Crawford, Sr., brothers: James, Sr., Edward, Sr., Herbert, Samuel, Sr., Joseph, Lyle and two infant brothers, sisters: Bernita & Abigail and adopted brothers: Dan & Father Ron Campbell.

The following are memories by Terry's oldest sister, Iva. This is a sister's walk of life with her brother. Terry was humble at heart & gentle in spirit. He put others before him. He had a humorous nature.

Our father, Edward J. Crawford, Sr, passed away August 31, 1968. Terry together with his brother Nicky was attending high school in Browns Valley, MN along with their nephew & niece, JC & Jennie who were in grade school.

In 1969, our mother Jeanette Kitto-Crawford became ill. It was a very difficult time for Terry & Nicky due to the recent loss of our father. Our mother told Terry & Nicky, they either must continue on with their education or seek employment. After making their decision, Terry went to Flandreau, SD to reside with a brother & his wife Herbert & Marlene. Nicky went to Minneapolis, MN & to reside with me.
In 1970, Terry moved from Flandreau, SD to Minneapolis, MN. He was employed at Drug Specialty. During his employment at Drug Specialty, he obtained his GED. He furthered his education studying Furnace & Boiler Maintenance. He obtained his Minneapolis boiler license and was employed at West High School, Minneapolis, MN for 10 years. His other places of employment were at the Wahpeton Indian School in North Dakota & Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota.

It was during his employment at the Flandreau Indian School, his health begin to fail, which eventually led to early disability retirement. For the past 18 years he was under medical care. However, he didn't let this hinder the activity in life. He traveled and attended family functions. Before his marriage to his wife Joyce, he took nieces & nephews on outings, trips, movies, etc & spent quality time with them. He will be greatly missed! He now leaves a legacy we can cherish always. For instance, the stamina he projected under adverse health conditions. The positive humor he expressed. Terry also had a keen sense of direction. Terry loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. He especially enjoyed singing Dakota Hymns.

Harlan (Terry) Crawford & Joyce Varnes were married January 2, 1997 by the Rev. Steve Osage, Sisseton, SD. To this union they have a daughter, Chantel Eleana, 14 and a son, Carlton Renshaw, 12. Terry was always a loving caring husband & father. I would again like to offer my profound appreciation to my sister-in-law, Joyce, for her dedicated devotion in providing the care required for our brother during his long illness. Also to my niece & nephew, Chantel & Carlton, please remember your father loved each of you very much. Your dad would express this love in our conversations. He would tell me about your school activities, the things you each loved to do.

To the best of our ability we siblings make every effort to include in our daily lives the Christian teachings & values practiced by our parents. Terry was given direction early in life. Be assured, Terry in his own humble manner, did practice the Christian values that we were taught by our parents. We understand we are not perfect. We know our sins have been paid in full by Jesus Christ. Through our faith, trust, love, & forgiveness, we pray we will someday be reunited with our loved ones through Jesus Christ.

The Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted, MN, served the family. Online condolences may be made to chilsonfuneralhome.com.