Maurine P. Crawford
December 19, 1926 - May 2, 2025
Maurine Pickens (Cochran) Crawford, 98 died Friday, May 2, 2025 at The Arbors Assisted Living Facility in Kirksville, Missouri. She was born December 19, 1926 on the family farm north of Sperry, Missouri, the daughter of Maurice L and Beulah (Maltby) Pickens. On January 8, 1949 in Hiawatha, Kansas she married Jamie Allen Cochran, who died July 16, 1980. On October 20, 1984 in Kirksville, Maurine married Donald H. “Jack” Crawford, who died July 30, 2022.
In addition to her husbands, Maurine was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Faye Farmer, a brother, Frank Pickens, a step-daughter, Mary Ann McAbery, and a step-son-in-law, John Butterfield.
She is survived by four sons, Steve (Sharon) Cochran of Litchfield Park, AZ, Richard (Cathy) Cochran of Easley, SC, Joe (Linda) Cochran of Burlington, IA and Pat (Kris) Cochran of Kirksville; two step-daughters, Julia Butterfield of San Pablo, CA and Denise (Joe) Bannon of Goodyear, AZ and a step-son, Donald (Sunny) Mowzoon of Chandler, AZ. She was also “Grandma Maurine” to 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
Maurine enjoyed a full life to the end. In addition to raising her four sons with Jamie, she worked at various times as a one-room country school teacher, dental assistant and aid to the principal at LaPlata RII Schools and partnered with Jamie in owning and operating LaPlata Equipment Company. After Jamie died she worked as a real estate salesperson for Crossroads Realty and Century 21 Whitney Agency until her retirement. She and Jack traveled extensively during their 37 years together, including many driving trips around the United States to Navy reunions, snow skiing resorts and to visit family. They also visited family in Europe. Maurine was a member of ATALPAL II Club, the Country Cousins square dancers, the Sweet Adelines singers and several bridge clubs. She hosted many Pickens Family reunions over the years, as well as other social gatherings.
Final arrangements are under the direction of Travis Funeral Chapel in LaPlata, MO. Per Maurine’s wishes, she has been cremated and will be interred in the LaPlata Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be scheduled at a later date. The family requests in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to The Friends of LaPlata Preservation and Hospice of Northeast Missouri.
