Final Salute

Martin Anthony Crawford

Martin Anthony Crawford was born on January 8th, 1987 in Garden City, Michigan to Christopher A. Crawford Sr. and Lutitia Deneen Crawford.
As a child, his mother described him as charismatic, adventurous, fearless and at times mischievous.
As a boy Martin enjoyed spending time with his four other siblings, taking part in boy scouts (with his older brother Christopher), little league (coached by his dad), flag football. soccer, field hockey and many other fun activities.

Martin had a natural athletic ability. He ALWAYS beat his other siblings when racing (via bike, skating, running or whatever). They finally found it wise to stop racing him around 5 years old. Martin also excelled in school. At age 9, he earned a college grant for his excellent scores on a standardized test. Anything Martin did as a child, he excelled at.

Moving into Martin’s adolescent years, he played many organized sports. These included football, track, cross country, baseball, tennis and etc. Anyone who knew Martin, knew how hard he challenged himself. He always strived to surpass his goals and limits; these qualities made him a great leader. He would apply this same mindset throughout his life (especially the Navy).

Martin graduated from Annapolis High School in Dearborn Heights, Michigan in 2005. He went on to study at Ferris State University before deciding to serve. Martin joined the Navy as a Seabee on August 20th, 2010. He was shortly thereafter deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan (November 8th, 2010 to June 5th, 2011).

While serving his country; He was the recipient of (Two Army Achievement Metals), (Afghanistan Campaign Medal), (Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/M Device),( National Defense Service Medal), (Global War on Terrorism Medal), (NATO Medal), (M16 Sharpshooter, M9 Sharpshooter), (Sea Service Deployment Ribbon), (Overseas Service Ribbon). He separated from the Navy on July 13th, 2011.

When Martin wasn’t taking on the world, he spent a lot of his time camping, fishing, hunting and enjoying nature. Martin had the mind of a philosopher. He was always thinking deeply about the world around us, and the roles we played in the human experience. Martin’s presence would captivate a room. His laugh was infectious; you couldn’t hear it and not burst out laughing with him. He was the life of the party and will be sorely missed.

Martin’s survived by his Mother, Lutitia D. Crawford, his siblings Christopher A. Crawford Jr, Christina M. Crawford, Catherine E. Crawford-Deriana, Christian A. Crawford, half-siblings Derek & Erica Crawford. Martin also leaves behind a brother-in-law Nick Deriana, his nephews and nieces Isaiah, Anthony, Mariah & Alicia Deriana, Erin Crockett, Paige & Jade Lathan & Taylor Cannon his Great nieces Juliana & Allanah Ratliff & Caliana-Rose Crockett.

Preceding him in death is his Father Christopher Andrew Crawford Sr. his baby sister Christa Rebecca Crawford, Grandmother Christine Crawford, Grandfather Roy Crawford & his Uncles Anthony Crawford & Joey Brown

Live Memorial Details

Virtual Viewing
Date: Thursday, June 4th, 2020
Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Virtual Only
Zoom Meeting Link: Virtual Viewing Zoom link or cut and paste: https://remembering.zoom.us/j/96417424826

A Hero’s Homecoming with Military Honors & Farewell Parade
Date: Thursday, June 4th, 2020
Time: 5:00 pm -7:00 pm – Military Honors 5:30 pm
Location: A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home
32515 Woodward Ave
Royal Oak, MI 48073
Youtube: A Hero’s Homecoming & Farewell Parade link or cut and paste: https://youtu.be/8LkcuvB2jBg Also available through Tribute Wall
Zoom meeting: A Hero’s Homecoming & Farewell Parade Zoom link or cut and paste: https://remembering.zoom.us/j/98960901375​

Lay Martin To Rest (Burial)
Date: Friday, June 5th, 2020
Time: Family Only 2:00PM (sharp)
Location: Live Stream Only
Youtube: Lay Martin to Rest (Burial) link or cut and paste: https://youtu.be/FztfCiTUMMM
Zoom meeting: Lay Martin to Rest Zoom link or cut and paste: https://remembering.zoom.us/j/91375171817

Due to shelter-in-place order:
1. We’re offering the live stream option to allow everyone to pay their respects virtually. The in-person event is closed to the public