Inge Crawford

Services for Inge Crawford will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 11:00 AM at First Christian Church with Dr. Chris Pulliam officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tyler under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Inge Crawford, age 88, went to be with the Lord on February 17, 2016 after a recent illness. She was born in Giengen, Germany on February 3, 1928. Her father, Johannes Staerk and mother, Elise Schuhmacher Staerk proceeded Inge in death. Inge met her future husband, Weldon Crawford, during the occupation of Germany following WWII. She immigrated to the United States where they were married in June of 1947. She began working for the City of Tyler as one of the three original Meter Maids in 1960. Many local citizens recall her German accent as well as the parking tickets she issued. Inge worked for the city for 32 years. Following Weldon’s death in 1974 she married Clyde Clark in 1983. Mr. Clark passed away in 1989. Inge reunited with her childhood sweetheart, Paul Phillippin in 1994 during a visit with her family in Germany. Together they shared time between the United States and Germany for the last 20 years. Inge loved playing her accordion, playing practical jokes and cooking authentic German food to everyone’s delight. She is survived by her three sons, John & Brenda Crawford of Coweta, Oklahoma, Karl Crawford of Tyler, and Dale & Kim Crawford of Tyler. Surviving brothers and sisters include Anny Staerk, Willy & Lori Staerk, Hildegard & Gottfried Goebbels, of Germany. Surviving grandchildren include Erin & Robert Henriksen of Bullard, Karl & Jennifer Crawford of Bryan, Erika & Cody Dobbs of Jacksonville, Colin Crawford of Coweta, Oklahoma, and Kara and Kaitlyn Crawford of Tyler. She is also survived by three great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the SPCA of East Texas, P O Box 132899, Tyler, TX 75713 or the First Christian Church, 4202 S. Broadway, Tyler, TX 75701 as a memorial in her name.

Inge Crawford

February 3, 1928 - February 17, 2016