Leon Frank McCraw

Leon Frank McCraw was born in New Ulm, TX August 26, 1921 to Morris Langston and Mamie Estelle McCraw. His father was a section foreman for the MK& T railroad. Leon weighed 2 lbs. when he was born and was not expected to survive. The lady that worked for them put him in a shoe box in the oven to keep him warm and miraculously he made it. Leon’s family moved around for the railroad. They lived in Pisek, Plum, Halstead, and he attended high school in LaGrange, TX. He played baseball and ran track in high school, his track team won 4th at state in Austin. He used to go to New Ulm and play baseball after church on Sunday. One Sunday he hit a grand slam home run and won the game, everyone was so excited they passed the hat and gave him money. He had enough to buy a new top for his old Ford he drove. He met the love of his life will attending LaGrange High School, Lorna Mae Bailey. They graduated high school in 1939, after dating in high school Leon became engaged to Lorna on Christmas day 1941. They were married on June 27, 1942. Leon attended Draughn Business College in Houston after graduating high school, and also attended War Industries Training School in preparation for entering the service. Because of his perforated ear drum he was unable to enlist. In June of 1943 Leon and Lorna moved to Baytown, TX. He started working at General Tire Rubber Plant, the plant changed hands and was owned by Ashland Chemical at the time of his retirement in November of 1977. In December of 1977 he went back to work at Coastal Water Authority until April 1990, when he retired again.

He was active in Grace Methodist Church, being a member of Methodist Men, he took care of Hobart the dishwasher in the church kitchen, washing dishes as needed for all the church gatherings. Leon spent time helping his family partially due to working shift work he was “Mr. Mom” before it became popular. Driving car pools and taking his crew of girls to dancing lessons. He also befriended Albert, a man that worked at the church. Taking him to Doctors’ appointments, taking him food, and giving support.

Leon was a very talented singer, yodeler, whistler. He used to entertain everyone on the Senior bus trips. The Grace Methodist Senior Citizens tour group traveled from 1984-2002.

Leon was an avid sports fan, especially his Texas Longhorns and the Houston Astros. He knew and remembered the history of Houston baseball. He played in a senior citizens league and their team got to play in the Astrodome. Leon hit a grand slam home run in the Astrodome at that game. He played softball until he was 80. He also loved to Umpire baseball and did that for 27 years.

Leon was a servant of our Lord Jesus Christ and loved the Lord and his family. He welcomed me into his family on July 29th 1972 and treated me like a son for the next 50 years. I lost my father when I was 4 years old and Leon was the only earthly father I have known. We, I will miss him until our reunion in heaven.

He was preceded in death by: His wife of 77 years Lorna Mae, parents Morris and Estelle McCraw, brothers Guy and Billy McCraw, grandson Nicholas Armstrong, and granddaughter Hilari Armstrong Wolfe.

He is survived by: Son Dr. Ron McCraw, daughter Rebecca Armstrong, son-in-law George Armstrong, grandson Josh Armstrong, great-grandson Ethan Wolfe, grandson-in-law Mike Wolfe. Numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 11 am, Friday, September 16, 2022, at Earthman Memory Gardens Cemetery in Baytown, TX.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Curts Kitchen or Mind, Body and Soul, two outreaches of Cedar Bayou Grace UMC in Baytown, TX.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.navarrefuneralhome.com for the McCraw family.