Fletcher Slaton Crawford, II

1928 - 2024

Fletcher Slaton Crawford, II, age 96, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2024, at Bethany House. The first child of Bonnie and Slaton Crawford, Slaton, II was born January 5, 1928 in Mobile, Alabama.

Slaton graduated from Camden High School and attended Marion Military Institute, Hines College and received his certification in hospital administration from the University of Alabama, Birmingham. He was a decorated veteran of the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict.

During his professional career, Slaton held numerous leadership positions in Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions and Exchange Civic Clubs. He served as a member of the Chamber of Commerce Industrial Development Board in Camden, AL and was a member of the Board of Directors of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi.

He spent a career, of nearly 40 years, in hospital administration as CEO in several Mississippi cities.

He was a faithful member of Auburn Community Church where he enjoyed fellowship in Bible studies and with Ross Coffee House Men's Small Group where strong relationships were formed.

Slaton enjoyed wood carving and over recent years made hundreds of hand carved wooden crosses for family members, friends and strangers. Some of those crosses made their way to international mission trips. Providing fresh flowers and vegetables from his garden and passing out coats to needy people brought him much joy. Slaton enjoyed collecting coins, arrowheads and prehistoric artifacts. In his younger years, he enjoyed horseback riding, hunting and fishing.

Patriotism was very important to Slaton, as was his southern roots. He was the epitome of a true gentleman. Slaton loved his Lord, his church, his family and Camellia Place friends and staff. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He is predeceased by Ada Hanks Crawford, Mary Elizabeth Browning Crawford and his sister, Rebecca "Sis" Crawford Davis. He is survived by his brother, Wesley (Eleanor) Crawford; daughter, Cindy Crawford (Keith) Lavallee and step-daughter, Martha (Mark) Hughes; granddaughters, Meredith (Patrick) Metcalf and Erin (Buck) Bankston, Julie (Todd) Orlansky; step-grandsons, Michael and Marshall Hughes; greatgrandchildren, Griffin Metcalf, Marlee Metcalf and Sonny Mae Bankston; nieces, Charlotte (Walker) Jackson and Susan Jemison and his very faithful caretaker, Linda Ware.

Arrangements are by Frederick Dean Funeral Home with viewing at Frederick Dean on Thursday, May 2nd from 1:00 to 2:00, followed by grave site burial at Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery at 3:00. Followed by a Celebration of Life Service at Auburn Community Church (at the 323 Airport Road, Auburn, AL location) at 4:00.