Reverend Van T. Crawford, Jr., age 76, of Delmar, went home to be with his Lord on Palm Sunday, April 1, 2007. He was born on October 2, 1930, the son of the late Reverend Van T. Crawford, Sr. and Estelle Crist Crawford. He grew up in Miami, Florida, and studied for the ministry at Crosier Seminary in Chester, PA. In 1965 Rev. Crawford joined the Peninsula United Methodist Conference as a Pastor at the Tilghman Island United Methodist Church. He served various churches on the Delmarva Peninsula before moving to the Virginia Conference in 1975. After returning to the area, he was always willing to fill in for Pastors at Methodist churches when they needed assistance. He enjoyed spending his days on the campus at Salisbury University, studying in the library, having Tuesday lunches with his friend, Professor Tim Miller at the Commons cafeteria and enjoying the outdoors by watching the squirrels. He had a unique gift for writing poetry and submitted many wonderful poems for the bulletin at St. Stephen's United Methodist Church. Although he had close ties to Florida, he chose to retire to Delmarva, the place he had most enjoyed while serving in the ministry. He is survived by his church family at St. Stephen's Church in Delmar; and a very good friend, Professor Tim Miller and his wife Vickie of Salisbury. A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Stephen's United Methodist Church, 101 E. State Street, Delmar, where friends may call from 1:00 to 2:00. The Reverend Marsha Carpenter will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Stephen's Cemetery in Delmar. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to: St. Stephen's United Methodist Church, 101 E. State Street, Delmar, DE 19940. Arrangements are being handled by Short Funeral Home, Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com .