lcpaaa.org - In Memoriam - Lee Crutchfield

In Memoriam

Levi (Lee) Crutchfield 1938-2002

Every once in a while you come across someone who leaves a lasting impression in your life and heart.....Lee Crutchfield was that type of person.

(click on a photo to zoom in)

Lee was born January 21, 1938 in Tutwiler, Mississippi. He worked on the farm and in the cotton fields until he moved to Lewisville in 1959. In 1960 he met Linda and they were married in 1962. Lee worked as a carpenter for 25 years until he was hurt at work and had to have several back surgeries.

Lee loved collecting cars, both large and small, he loved his family and he loved Lewisville. Lee donated many hours volunteering at the church and other projects.

Then, in 1992, he signed up to take a class offered aat the Police Department and found something he truly loved. It was then that he joined the Lewisville Police Academy Alumni Association. Along with others he labored, even when he could barely stand, to keep the Association going. Lee wore many hats throughout the years.

In 1998, together with Brenda Gormley, Tom Barker, Lt. Brooks and Officer Rory Hanson, Lee established the COP (Citizens on Patrol) program. They would patrol on holidays and whenever the officers would need extra help.

Lee also spent several years helping with the Child ID program making sure every child he could find had an ID card in case anything was to ever happen to them.

He also helped the officers with their field training being both the "good guy" and the "bad guy" and especially enjoyed the practical training. You never knew what Lee was doing to do; at times he drove the officers crazy but he always kept them on their toes.

In addition to helping with training, he also helped rebuild silhouettes at the shooting range and build the haunted houses. He and his granddaughter also enjoyed working in them every year. Lee enjoyed chasing people with his chainsaw, especially his grandson!

Lee was a pillar of strength for the Alumni Association and always volunteered no matter how tired or sick he was. He was always willing to help out his friends and he met many who became like family while helping with LCPAAA and riding out with the officers.

Lee beat the odds many times and fought for 3 years after his leukemia diagnosis but he lost the fight on March 7, 2002.

The LCPAAA has tried in many ways to honor this special man for his service and devotion. In addition to the many other awards, in December of 2001, he was presented with something he held close to his heart until the very end...a plaque citing him "President Emeritus" of the Lewisville Police Academy Alumni Association. In addition, the Association has obtained approval from the city to name a street after Lee.

All of these still seem to fall short of paying homage to a man who never stopped caring for others and supporting his Police Department and the LCPAAA, even through the final battles of leukemia. He will be missed but his love, determination and inspiration will carry, not only the Association forward, but all of us to provide more support to the Police Department and our community.

In loving memory of a Husband, Daddy, Papaw and a good friend.....

Modify Website