Howard S. "Buzz" Crawford, 83, of Hermitage passed away peacefully at 7:05 p.m. Sunday at the Trinity Living Center in Grove City after a long illness.

Born Oct. 23, 1924, in Butler, he was the son of William and Exie Grace Crawford.

He was a self-employed small engine, TV and radio repairman in his early years.

A decorated World War II veteran, he served with the Army Air Corps and was honorably discharged Feb. 17, 1946, with the Meritorious Unit Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with three bronze stars and the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with three bronze stars.

He leaves five sons, Howard Crawford of Kentucky, Lawrence Crawford and his wife, Vicki, of Sharon, Peter Crawford of Transfer, Richard Crawford and his wife, Lynn, of Sharpsville and Ronald Crawford of Sharon; five daughters, Linda Scott and her husband, Richard, of Youngstown, Ohio, Stacey Crawford of Mercer, Kathy Kane and her husband, Kenneth, of Hermitage, Kimberly Wolfe and her husband, Jay, of Transfer and Mary Ann Crawford of Ford City; a brother, Kenneth Crawford of East Brady; 23 grandchildren; and 26 great grandchildren.

His wife, the former Donna Marie Furey, whom he married Nov. 15, 1955, died May 24, 2001. He also was preceded in death by a daughter, Bonnie Lou Watterson; a grandson, John Bowser; a great-granddaughter, Nicole Albanese; two brothers; and two sisters.

<B>CRAWFORD </B>— Friends of Howard S. "Buzz" Crawford, who died Sunday, March 30, 2008, were received today at the <B>J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory</B>, Sharon. Burial was at the Mt. Washington Cemetery, Jefferson Township. Full military honors were provided by the honor guard from VFWPost 6233, West Middlesex and the American Legion Post 432, Wheatland.