Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
John “Spencer” Crawfis, born March 27, 1951, in Dover, Ohio, passed away surrounded by the love of family and friends on August 17, 2026. He spent his early childhood on Charles Mill Reservoir in Ohio, where he developed a lifelong love of sailing and boating alongside his parents (Donald “James” Crawfis and Patricia Crawfis) and brother, Gregory Crawfis.
Spencer attended Kemper Military School, graduating in 1969. He later attended Ashland College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Though he briefly taught high school History, Florida’s warmth and sunshine eventually drew him south to escape the cold Ohio winters.
In 1973, Spencer met his loving wife, Jean Crawfis, in the Bahamas while their families vacationed there. They married in 1975 and built a life grounded in friendship, love, and devotion. Spencer described Jean as his best friend and the best person he had ever met. Together they created a loving family and shared a life and beautiful memories.
In Florida, Spencer built a successful career in the restaurant business, becoming both a manager and owner. Cooking was one of his greatest passions, and he found joy in creating meals and entertaining family and friends with his culinary talents.
An avid runner, Spencer dedicated himself to the sport for more than a decade, often driving the team van to more than 50 races a year for five consecutive years. He was also a devoted father who enthusiastically supported his son Josh as his little league baseball coach and his daughter Jessica in gymnastics and cheerleading. During those years, he affectionately became known as “Coach” to all who met him.
Baseball was another lifelong love. Spencer appreciated the beauty, symmetry, and strategy of the game, and he spent many years playing senior softball, where he could run circles around most men half his age. In his later years, his greatest joys were spending time with his grandchildren and taking trips to the Florida Keys.
Spencer will be remembered for his warmth, humor, generosity, love of family, and passion for life’s simple joys. He leaves behind many cherished memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Details to come on Spencer Crawfis’ Celebration of Life event.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2026 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Dave Taylor - Friend
August 31, 2026, 7:22 pm
Spencer was good man and a great friend. He will be missed. Say Hi to Roger L. for us!
Diane Tyler-Bryan Tyler and Denise Michael Tyler and Ashley and family… - Friends.
August 31, 2026, 10:23 pm
I am so very sorry to hear of Spencer’s passing…. He was a wonderful man ! Sending love and healing thoughts and prayers to Spencer’s family… Jeanie, Josh and “Peanut !
Sande Dineley - Friend
September 1, 2026, 11:38 am
Spencer will be missed so very much. We used to sit outside the Black Pearl talking about books and history and life. Those moments will not be forgotten. Loved our parties filled with good food and good drinks and lots of laughs. Give Roger our love.
Peter Bonell - Friend
September 1, 2026, 5:01 pm
Heaven is lucky to have you lead there softball league. Miss you pal. We all do.
H. (Mitch) Mitchell - Friend
September 1, 2026, 7:41 pm
“That man is a success – who has lived well, laughed often and loved much….who leaves the world better than he found it….who looked for the best in others, and gave the best he had”…. (Bessie Stanley). RIP Spence.
Tom Ryan - Friend
September 1, 2026, 9:29 pm
Tom Ryan – friend and teammate. I remember the first time I met this guy. It was at a small wine pub on Royal Palm point. That was 11 years ago and I was new to the area. I was there with a friend and he was there with his wife. Very small place. I think four stools in the place. And we talked for an hour or two about Baseball. He turned me onto the Coders and I was there the next day. Fantastic man, thank you Spence.
newt johnson - friend
September 2, 2026, 10:37 am
I will always remember Spence for his calm demeanor, great sense of fairness and honesty and his sense of humor. He will be missed.