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Lansing’s oldest resident celebrates 111th birthday

CP Crawford
Holding flowers from the Village of Lansing, and dressed in a different suit than he wore to last year’s birthday party, CP Crawford’s secret to a long life is simple: “Mind your own business.” (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)

CP Crawford is Lansing’s oldest, Illinois’ second-oldest, and America’s 25th-oldest living resident

by Melanie Jongsma

LANSING, Ill. (August 24, 2018) – He’s been alive for both World Wars, for 20 presidents—including both Roosevelts and both Bushes—for women’s suffrage and black suffrage. He has picked cotton, plowed fields, tilled gardens, washed dishes, and worked for the Southland Oil Refinery and the Illinois Central Railroad. On Saturday, August 25, 2018, Lansing resident CP Crawford turns 111.

That age makes him the oldest living resident of Lansing, and the second-oldest living resident of Illinois, less than a year behind Louise Schaaf. Schaaf is the twelfth-oldest person in the United States, and Crawford is the twenty-fifth.

This morning, Village officials arrived at Tri-State Nursing and Rehabilitation Center—Crawford’s home since 2014—to extend birthday congratulations and wishes of continued good health.

Crawford
Trustee Jerry Zeldenrust and Police Chief Dennis Murrin greet CP Crawford at Tri-State Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Crawford
Mayor Patty Eidam visited CP Crawford last year, on his 110th birthday, and she returned this year. “You look like you’re getting younger!” she told him. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
CP Crawford
From left, standing: Activity Director Sheila Huff, Mayor Patty Eidam, Clerk Vivian Payne, Trustee Mike Skrbina, Trustee Jerry Zeldenrust, and Chief Dennis Murrin. Front row: CP Crawford and Activity Aide JaQuita Phillips. The main lobby of the center was decorated for a 111th birthday party with family and friends later in the afternoon. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)

Crawford’s son Shawn says his father is a loving and caring man who would give his last cent if it would help someone in need. Staff and residents at Tri-State confirm that Crawford is easy-going and gets along with everyone.

Birthday wishes for Mr. Crawford may be sent to his attention at Tri-State Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 2500 E. 175th Street in Lansing, Illinois.

 

Melanie Jongsma
Melanie Jongsma
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.