Albert Merle Crawford

Albert Merle Crawford, 78, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Easter, April 1, 2018. He was born on August 12, 1939 in Enterprise, Louisiana to Sullivan and Beatrice Crawford. Al, affectionately nicknamed "Arkie", graduated in 1957 from Enterprise High School. He then received his Bachelor's Degree at Northeast Louisiana University in Accounting. He also attended Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University followed by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, becoming a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist. Al began his career as a tankerman on the motor vessel the Gene C. Hutchinson on the Mississippi River. He loved the river boats, it was in his blood, and it remained a passionate hobby until the day he passed away. He went on to become Comptroller of the Monroe Utilities Commission followed by becoming the Manager of Employee Benefits at the Central Bank Trust Department in Monroe, Louisiana. In 1989, Al moved to Little Rock and became the Senior Vice President and Manager of Employee Benefit Division of First Commercial Trust Company. Upon retiring, Al and Sue moved to Hot Springs Village, becoming an active member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, where he served on the Vestry, was a Eucharistic Minister, as well as serving on many committees. For 30 years in Louisiana, Al officiated high school baseball, basketball, football and some college basketball. Al enjoyed playing golf in the Village, as well as playing the upright base (bull fiddle) for the Ouachita River Ramblers, making several CD's, playing venues in the Village and around South Arkansas. Al was preceded in death by his parents, Sullivan and Beatrice, siblings, S.P. Jr., Walton (Buddy), Elton (Shorty), Eulon, Doris (Dicey) and son, Richie Crawford. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Sue Crane Crawford; son, Reynolds Crawford and wife, Carmen; daughter, Mignon Crawford of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren, Madeline and Morgan Hicks and Nicholas Knoll; great grandson, Kesson Roy Martin; nieces, nephews and many friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity or a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to CedarVale Funeral Home, Hot Springs Village. For online condolences, please visit www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 28, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas and at 1 p.m., Sunday, April 29, at Catahoula Baptist Church Cemetery, Enterprise, Louisiana.