Hardy Crawford

Hardy Crawford, 54, affectionately known as Big "H", resident of Jefferson City, Mo., formerly of Wilson City, Mo., died Monday, December 23, 2019 in St. Louis, Mo. while visiting family and friends. He was born October 10, 1965 in Wyatt, Mo. to the late William and Earline Crawford. Hardy was the fourteenth and final child born to this glorious family. Hardy grew up in Wilson City, Mo., where he was one of the original and founding members of the "WCGs" of Wilson City. Big "H" was a true gamer and served his community well. He graduated in 1984 from Charleston High School in Charleston, Mo. and received a basketball scholarship to attend Rend Lake College in Mount Vernon, Ill. Hardy accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized. Hardy met and married the love of his wife and best friend Nishelle Verenna Emanuel, on September 2, 1989. During their thirty plus years of marriage they raised two beautiful children: daughter, Koko Charnice (born September 1990) and son, Hardy Junior (born June 1994). In early 1998, the whole family joined and attended Oak Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Guthrie, Mo., where he proudly served as an usher. Hardy understood his time on earth was due to blessings from GOD and praised GOD as the head of his household. Big "H" began his career in Corrections at the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City, Mo. and ended his career with the Jefferson City Correctional Facility where he worked in the most secure housing unit in the facility. Hardy's most notable accomplishment was working with the youth outreach program titled Reach Out. He traveled all over Missouri delivering messages to young people about staying straight and out of trouble. Coach Big "H", is what his infamous basketball team players of G-Unit proudly called him, he was a true mentor and father figure to his team. Friends may call Friday, January 3, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour of 12:00 noon at the United Methodist Church, 1700 East Marshall Street, in Charleston, Mo. with Minister Marion Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery with the Williams Funeral Home of Charleston in charge of arrangements.