Les Crawshaw 1947-2025
Lester Ray “Les” Crawshaw, 77, of Mayetta, passed away Friday, Jan. 3, 2025 at Stormont Vail Health in Topeka. He was born Sept. 14, 1947 in Topeka, the son of Woodrow Wilson Crawshaw Sr. and Nora Mae (Teel) Crawshaw.
Les graduated from Maple Hill High School and attended Vo-Tech. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1966-1969 aboard the USS Constellation as a Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class in the AC & R Division.
He was a farmer and stockman most of his life. Les worked as a front-end mechanic for Gros Auto Repair in Topeka for many years and as a school bus driver for Royal Valley District 337 for more than 10 years.
Les was an active and proud member of the Holton V.F.W. Post 1367, serving as Commander. He helped organize the flaglines, military honors for funerals, Saturday morning breakfast at the VFW Hall, gun shows and New Year’s Eve fireworks to name a few. He was also a member of the Mayetta Volunteer Fire Department.
Les was known for his sense of humor and for being a practical jokester to many. He loved his family dearly, especially spending time with his grandchildren. He took much pride in working hard, having a good conversation with anybody and making people laugh. Les will remain in the hearts of his family and friends forever.
He married Danna Jean Heinze on April 12, 1974 in Topeka. She preceded him in death on Aug. 21, 2021. They celebrated more than 47 years of marriage.
Survivors include his companion, Sandy Barrow of the home; daughter, Casey Matthews (Bryce) of Mayetta; son, Nathan Crawshaw (Sarah) of Mayetta; two brothers, Woodrow Crawshaw Jr. (Jacque) of Marion and Joseph Crawshaw of New Port, R.I.; and five grandchildren, Anna, Emma, Rhett, Andie and Cole.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Nora Crawshaw, and two brothers, Ronald and Herb Crawshaw.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Les will lie in state from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at the funeral home. Family will greet friends from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Memorials may be given to the Holton V.F.W. Post 1367 or Mayetta Fire Department, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.
To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
