Orlen Kenneth (Ken) Crawley, beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother entered the Church triumphant on Jan 21, 2024 at the age of 83 from complications of leukemia.

A long-time resident of Shelby, NC, Ken was born at home on July 11, 1940 to Annie Mae Spake Crawley and Herbert Crawley (both deceased) in Cleveland County. He grew up farming cotton with his first job at the age of 5 carrying water to his family in the fields. He was the youngest of 9 siblings and is survived by a sister, Syble Rayne (Richard) of Shelby.

He attended Gardner Webb University and Limestone College where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He retired after a successful 34-year career at Hoechst Celanese where he was recognized and awarded for being the first person in NC to design and implement a recycling program.

Ken loved God and his family and was an active member of FBC Shelby where he was a deacon, served in jail ministry and nursing home ministry. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 58 years, Mary Lowe Crawley, two daughters, Tiffaney Crawley Hofer (Howard) and their children Reverend Artur Maxwell Hofer (Laci), Mackenzie Nicole Hofer (Maddy) as well as Heather Crawley Taylor (Thomas) and their children Thomas Lowe Taylor and Mary Sloane Taylor. He is preceded in death by a grandson, Christopher John Hofer and leaves behind one great-grandson, Roman Baumgardner.

Ken was a simple man who was known for his generosity and service to others. He never lost his love of farming and enjoyed working in his garden, bee keeping and riding his tractor plowing icy roads and driveways for neighbors.

A service to honor his life and faith in Jesus Christ will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 3, 2024 in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church in Shelby. Reception immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Church At Denver, where his grandson is a youth pastor https://www.churchatdenver.org/give or First Baptist Church of Shelby Memorials https://fbcshelby.org

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.