Funeral services held for Donnie Ray Crawford III

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. - Hundreds showed up to bid farewell to a local race car legend who authorities said was shot and killed by his maternal grandfather last week in an unprovoked attack.

The funeral for Donnie Ray Crawford III, 24, was held Saturday afternoon at Rhema Bible Church in Broken Arrow.

Racing fans remembered Crawford for his accomplishments on the dirt track.

Those who knew Crawford personally remembered much more including his infectious smile, faith in God and love of family.

"He was just willing to do anything for anybody, pretty much just the kind of person you'd want to be and be around all the time," said Dalton Cole, who raced alongside Crawford for several years in the midget car-racing circuit.

At the funeral, several people stood to share their memories of Crawford.

"He was a guardian angel sent to us by God," said one speaker. "He was a beautiful son, brother, grandson and friend who brought so much happiness to this racing family."

Though racing came to define much of his life, Crawford also made his education a top priority. He was pursuing an degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Oklahoma at the time of his death.

His family has set up a scholarship in his memory.

"These scholarships will help young adults that have pursued racing and for whatever reason, they choose to change their paths like Donnie Ray and focus on their college education," said Pastor Dan Muly, explaining the purpose of the foundation.

Those interested in donating to the Donnie Ray Crawford Racing Scholarship Foundation can do so at the American Bank of Oklahoma, P.O. Box 66, in Collinsville, OK, 74021.

Crawford collected a number of rookie of the year titles, including one at the Chili Bowl.  According to Crawford's website, he's won Tulsa Shootout’s, Pete Frazier Memorials, Al Lemons Memorials and Oklahoma Nationals.

Crawford was participating in the 26th Annual Chili Bowl Midget Nationals last week.  He was scheduled to race on the morning after his death.