Steven was my youngest brother, and also my very best friend, and he lost his life on
April 17, 1998, at the age of 26 years.
On April 17, 1998 Steven was working for Midwest Auto Storage in Houston, Texas when their
office received a phone call regarding a truck that had been parked on someone else's
property for over a year. The caller asked for the wrecker service to come out and tow this
vehicle from their property. Steven's boss, Laura, asked him to ride with her over to the
address that was given to help her tow the truck. While Steven was out hooking the truck up
the owner of the truck, Barry Bernard Crawford, came out of his home, with a 22 rifle,
and started screaming "Your not going to tow my shit". While Steven was underneath the
truck doing his job this man started kicking him in the face and pointing the 22 rifle at him. When Steven came out from underneath the truck Barry Crawford held the rifle to his
face. Steven said, "you're not going to shoot me are you?" Then Barry Crawford backed up
and shot Steven once in the heart.
While Steven fell to the ground his last words were "I can't believe he shot me". The
neighbors started administering CPR and dialed 911 to get an ambulance to help try to save
his life. The entire time people were trying to save his life, Barry Crawford stood looking
over Steven, with the rifle still in his hands, asking "Is He Dead Yet?". This person that
took Steven's life was someone who was trained to save people's lives not take them.
He was a 17 year veteran of the City of Houston Fire Department. He showed no remorse and
just smiled about what he did that day.
On July 31, 1998, Barry Bernard Crawford was convicted of murdering Steven, but the jury
gave this murderer 10 years probation. The Honorable Judge Ted Poe added on other
conditions such as 6 months jail time, taking flowers to Steven's grave,paying child
support on Steven's two children and many other conditions. But 17 days after Barry
Bernard Crawford was in jail, he filed an appeal bond and was released from jail pending
the appeal.
It is hard for me to believe that someone who can take another's life is allowed to walk the
streets of Houston as a free person, living a normal life, when he has taken someone's life.
I miss my brother very much! He was my best friend and would call me several times
a day just to chat. Oh, how I wish that when the phone rings, it could be Steven on the
other end of the line. Just saying, Hey, T, what are you doing? Oh, what I would
give to hear his voice just one more time! To see his smile one last time! Just to hug
him and say I LOVE YOU - ONE LAST TIME!
Because of someone's stupidity I no longer have one of the most important people in
my life. A big chunk of my life was taken away on April 17, 1998. I no longer live
as happy as I once lived. My dreams of being able to watch my baby brother
grow old and be a good father to his two 16-month old children have been shattered.
My brother's memory will always live in my heart. The good times that we had
together, no one can ever take away...not even his murderer.....Barry Bernard Crawford.
A Loved One Lives Forever
In the Hearts of Those Who Cared
A Loved One Lives Forever
In the Memories That Were SharedDADDY'S DAY Her hair up in a pony tail, her favorite dress tied with a bow Today was Daddy's Day at school, and she couldn't wait to go. But her mommy tried to tell her, that she probably should stay home Why the kids might not understand, if she went to school alone. But she was not afraid; she knew just what to say What to tell her classmates, on this Daddy's Day. But still her mother worried, for her to face this day alone And that was why once again, she tried to keep her daughter home. But the little girl went to school, eager to tell them all About a dad she never sees, a dad who never calls. There were daddies along the wall in back, for everyone to meet Children squirming impatiently, anxious in their seats. One by one the teacher called, a student from the class To introduce their daddy, as seconds slowly passed. At last the teacher called her name, every child turned to stare Each of them were searching, for a man who wasn't there. "Where's her daddy at?" she heard a boy call out. "She probably doesn't have one," another student dared to shout. And from somewhere near the back, she heard a daddy say "Looks like another deadbeat dad, too busy to waste his day." The words did not offend her, as she smiled at her friends And looked back at her teacher, who told her to begin. And with hands behind her back, slowly she began to speak And out from the mouth of a child, came words incredibly unique. "My Daddy couldn't be here, because he lives so far away But I know he wishes he could be with me on this day. And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know All about my daddy, and how much he loves me so. He loved to tell me stories, he taught me to ride my bike He surprised me with pink roses, and taught me to fly a kite. We used to share fudge sundaes and ice cream in a cone And though you cannot see him, I'm not standing all alone. 'Cause my daddy's always with me, even though we are apart I know because he told me, he'll forever be here in my heart." With that her little hand reached up, and lay across her chest Feeling her own heartbeat, beneath her favorite dress. And from somewhere in the crowd of dads, her mother stood in tears Proudly watching her daughter, who was wise beyond her years. For she stood up for the love of a man not in her life Doing what was best for her, doing what was right. And when she dropped her hand back down, staring straight into the crowd She finished with a voice so soft, but its message clear and loud "I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star, And if he could he'd be here, but heaven's just too far. But sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away." And then she closed her eyes, and saw him there that day And to her mother's amazement, she witnessed with surprise A room full of daddies and children, all starting to close their eyes Who knows what they saw before them, who knows what they felt inside Perhaps for merely a second, they saw him at her side. "I know you're with me Daddy," to the silence she called out. And what happened next made believers, of those once filled with doubt. Not one in that room could explain it, for each of their eyes had been closed But there placed on her desktop, was a beautiful fragrant pink rose. And a child was blessed, if only a moment, by the love of her shining bright star And given the gift of believing, that heaven is never too far. -Author Unknown For All the Daddy's Days that Gary and Shelby will have, I'm sure that their Daddy will be at their side We LOVE YOU and MISS YOU Daddy and wish you were here to help us celebrate our 6th Birthday. HUGS & KISSES 
Caley, Troy, Clint, Steven and Brian
Summer of 1990
You're Missed ! It's surprising how often I think of you,
turn to speak to you,
and realize you're not right there
as I expect you to be.
I guess I hold you so close in thought
that it's hard to understand sometimes
that you aren't close in person.
But I wanted to let you know
I'm thinking of you and wishing we could talk
and just be together awhile -
you're really missed! I miss you Steven more than words could ever say,
but I'll do my best to carry on your memory
and to let your children know
what a wonderful, sweet, and caring person their daddy was. LOVE YA! "T" (Tonya)
On April 17, 1998, I lost part of my soul when my brother was murdered. This is dedicated to my younger brother, Steven, who will live in my memory always.
Alone With My Grief
Here I am, alone with my grief Wishing our time had not been so brief. A face that shone, so happy without a frown With hair of red and eyes of brown. Tall and handsome, still a young man Gone forever now, to be in God's hands. The day was miserable, befittingly so When we all said goodbye, and let you go. I kissed your face, it was now so cold And wept for my loss, only twenty six years old. You left behind so many who cared They spoke of fun, great times you shared. People looked at me, no one knew what to say So instead they said nothing, and then walked away. I felt so alone, they all had each other I was your sister, you my best friend and my brother. I wanted to scream, "HEY! What about me?" I miss him, too, can't you see? I put your baseball cap on and laid a rose close to your heart And sobbed from the pain, tearing me apart. They led me away, and then closed the top And that's when I thought my heart would stop. How could you leave me? I wanted to know! And did you know that I loved you so? Well now I'm taking it, day by day You left two others, when you went away. They have your smile, and look just like you They have hair of blonde and red and eyes of brown and blue. Two beautiful angels, your young two Thank you for them, your only two. I am still very sad, and I miss you so My little brother, why did you go? I don't understand, the questions are there Life is so short, it doesn't seem fair. So here I am, alone with my grief Wishing our time had not been so brief.You'll Always Be My Best Friend!!!
I Miss You Very Much!!!! Brian, Heather & James continue to talk about
the good times they had with their "Uncle Steven" aka "Uncle Woody"
THIRTEEN YEARS It was 13 years, yesterday Nine years since, You left us Thirteen years since, You have remained in our hearts Thirteen years since, We had to part Thirteen years, Maybe the decrease in pain will start Thirteen years, And I still miss you Thirteen years, And your presence still seems unforgettable For you were here thirteen years ago yesterday
Troy Cummings, Steven Hardin, Angie Cummings, Bobby Cummings, and Clint Concord
Having Fun on the Lake
TIME GOES ON Three years has passed.
Time hasn't done any good.
I still hurt.
I can't explain.
I only wish I could.
I wish I could reach out, and make it disappear.
My heart has been so heavy.
Ever since three years.
My friends stood by me.
They were around every day.
But, now that time has passed, They've all gone their way.
I'm left the burden.
I am so sad and alone.
Even though time has passed,
The pain…..it lingers on.
I try to make people understand.
But, they think something's wrong with me.
They don't know how my heart is bleeding.
I find it strange…no one can see.
So let us be friends together.
The pain….we all can share.
If we don't stick together,
no one else will care. "I HAVE A PLACE IN HEAVEN" Please don't sing sad songs for me, Forget your grief and fears, For I am in a perfect place Away from pain and tears... It's far away from hunger And hurt and want and pride, I have a place in Heaven With the Master at my side. My life on earth was very good, As earthly life can go, But Paradise is so much more Than anyone can know... My heart is filled with happiness And sweet rejoicing, too. To walk with God is perfect peace, A joy forever new. "I Am Not Here" Don't stand by my grave and weep, For I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glint of snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn's rain. When you awaken in the morning, hush. For I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circle flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand by my grave and cry. I am not there, I did not die. "I'M FREE" Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free, I'm following the path God has laid you see. I took his hand when I heard his call. I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way I found the peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joys- A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss Oh yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full I savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Don't lengthen it now with undue grief Lift up your hearts, and peace to thee- God wanted me now, he set me free.
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not here to see, If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears. I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today, While thinking of the many things we didn't get to say. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, And each time you think of me, I know you'll miss me too. But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand. And said my place was ready in Heaven far above, And I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye, for all life, I'd always thought I didn't want to die. I had so much to live for and so much yet to do, It seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad, I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, I thought for just a while, I'd say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile. But then I fully realized that this could never be, For emptiness and memories would take the place of me. And when I thought of worldly things, that I'd miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did my heart was filled with sorrow. But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home, When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne. He said, "This is eternity and all I've promised you". Today for life on earth is past but here it starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last, And since each day's the same day, no longing for the past. But you have been so faithful, so trusting, so true, Though there were times you did some things, you knew you shouldn't do. But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free. So won't you take my hand and share my life with me? So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, For every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart. I'M STILL HERE Mother; please don't mourn for me I'm still here, don't you see. I'm right by your side each night and day and within your heart I long to stay. My body is gone but I'm always near. I'm everything you feel, see or hear. My spirit is free, but I'll never depart as long as you keep me alive in your heart. I'll never wander out of your sight- I'm the brightest star on a summer night. I'll never be beyond your reach- I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach. I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around and the pure white snow that blankets the ground. I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're fond. The clear cool water in a quiet pond. I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring, The first warm raindrop that April will bring. I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine, and you'll see the face in the moon is mine. When you start thinking there's no one to love you, you can talk to me through the lord above you. I'll whisper my answer through the leaves in the trees, and you'll find my presence in the soft summer breeze. I'm the salty tears that flow when you weep and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep. I'm the smile you see on a baby's face, Just look for me Mother, I'm every place. The Best God saw you getting tired, And a cure was not to be, So he put his arms around you And whispered, "Come to me." With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. MY FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below With tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear, For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear, But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here. I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring, For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart, But I am not so far away. We really aren't apart. So be happy for me, dear ones. You know I hold you dear, And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above. I send you each a memory of my undying love. After all, "Love" is the gift, more precious than pure gold. It was always most important in the stories Jesus told. Please love and keep each other, as our Father said to do, For I can't count the blessings or love He has for you. So, have a Merry Christmas and wipe away the tear. Remember, I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
If tears could build a stairway
and memories were a lane,
We would walk all the way to Heaven,
to bring you home again
No farewell words were spoken,
no time to say good-bye
You were gone before we knew it,
and only God knows why
Our hearts ache in sadness,
and secret tears will flow
What is meant to lose you,
no one will ever know
WE MISS YOU STEVEN!!!!
WE MISS YOU DADDY -
WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU,
SHELBY RENEE HARDIN (2)
AND
GARY DEAN HARDIN (2)
WE MISS YOUR WRINKLES
AND
YOUR SWEET SMILE!!!
But Most Of All
!!! WE MISS BEING WITH YOU !!!
AND!!! YOU BEING A PART OF OUR LIVES !!!
Your friends, family, and children
Mom - Carolyn
Dad - Billy
Brother - Billy
Sisters - Lorrie and Tonya
Nephews - Brian and James
Niece - Heather
Daughter - Shelby
Son - Gary
Tina Reilly
Clint Concord
Troy Cummings
Bobby Cummings
Mike Sehlke
Scott Hardin
Randy Burke
Mom Burke
John Barnes
Elwood Lowery
Matt Teal
Caley Boudreaux
Kenneth Cummings
Donna Cummings
Melinda Brock
Gary Brock
Mom and Dad Drake
Summer Jenkins
Angelique
!!! I LOVE YOU DADDY !!!!
Love
Shelby Renee Hardin
You Are the Light of My Life Steven
Love Always, Your Best Friend -Melinda Brock
View My Guestbook
| [ KeyTrax...Audio Generator ] [ Angelfire...Free Web Pages ] [ WhoWhere...People Finder ] |
