Daniel Preston Crutchfield, Sr.

Daniel Preston Crutchfield, Sr.

May 23, 1961 - March 02, 2011

Daniel Preston Crutchfield, Sr.

May 23, 1961 - March 02, 2011

Obituary

Pastor Daniel ‘Danny’ Crutchfield, Sr. born May 23, 1961 was ushered into the presence of God on March 2, 2011, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born to the late Charles George Crutchfield, Sr. and Edith McKissick Crutchfield, in McKeesport, PA, Danny received his education in McKeesport, Pennsylvania where he graduated with honors. He enjoyed many activities excelling in the Math Olympics and Chess. After a brief period with the Air Force Reserve as a Security Specialist, he came to the California coastline in July 1984 where he married his beautiful bride Melissa Tillman. Together Melissa and Danny have 3 amazing and talented children; Charmaine, Daniel, Jr. and Joshua along with their ‘adopted’ son – Trent Tomasino, one of Daniel Jr’s best friends who spent many nights at the Crutchfield household.

Danny was self-employed for many years as a Real Estate liaison. His love of numbers gave him opportunities to help countless numbers of people navigate the challenging real estate market. Danny’s magnetic personality allowed him to make friends very easy. And, coming from a large family, it was necessary for him to develop good social skills quickly, just to survive! Danny greatly enjoyed fellowship with his Tumbleweed neighbors, especially playing a community game of tossing the bean bag called ‘corn hole’. And he enjoyed the annual neighborhood block party, ‘A Taste of Tumbleweed’, as one of his favorite past times. Danny was passionate about two things; His family and God. Danny’s passion about his family was obvious, as you could often see him going to school events with his children, coaching basketball at the community center, and spending time with his friends. Having wrestled in high school, he also enjoyed watching wrestling in his spare time. He loved taking trips to the beach with his wife and children and then teasing his siblings that lived on the east coast about the weather!

Daniel accepted the call to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ while attending Calvary Baptist Church in Santa Ana and was licensed to preach under the tutelage of Pastor Thomas Shipp. Later Daniel joined Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church of Inglewood, California under the auspices of Apostle Beverly Crawford and walked in the office of ‘Pastor Danny’. While there he joined Pastor Marla Brown in working with Slam Dunk a youth ministry. For those who knew him best, they know he loved gospel music, namely Fred Hammond, along with preaching and testifying about the Lord Jesus Christ. Danny had a contagious love for the Lord that prompted him to challenge everyone he met with the gospel. Sharing the message of God’s love was one of the most important things to him. At the same time, Danny loved to have fun. Danny enjoyed bowling, basketball, and playing board games like chess, but he was exceptionally fond of playing card games. He was an excellent Bid Whist and Spades player taunting everyone he could to beat him with his favorite partners, cousin Harry Thomas and Pastor Vernon Mothershed. Danny could often be seen driving his car in his favorite cap, Steeler shirt, and leather gloves. There are many words that could be used to describe the attributes of Danny’s character: faithful servant, loving husband, passionate & supportive father, trustworthy brother and uncle, dependable friend but he will be best remembered as a child of the King.

Danny leaves us with many, many fond and cherished memories. He is survived by his siblings Nancy McKnight, Glassport, PA; Gerard Herriott Laverne, Philadelphia, PA; Beatrice Wyley, Turtle Creek, PA; Charles Crutchfield, Waldorf, MD; Eva Booker, Darren, Bronx, NY; Carol Nelson James, Penn Hills, PA; John Crutchfield Debra, Franklinville, NJ; Renae Nelson Bill Richmond, TX; Sharon West Bill McKeesport, PA. He was preceded in death by two of his siblings, Donna Hines David, McKeesport, PA & David Crutchfield Donna Crutchfield-Porter, Stow, MA. He also leaves behind his siblings through marriage, Frederick Tillman Barbara, Odom, GA; James Browder Lucille, Glenwood, IL; Marcus Johnson, Jefferson Hills, PA; Sabrina Wilson Chris, Pittsburgh, PA; Katrina Wilson Vincent, Donora, PA; Kimberly Drew, Monessen, PA; Carol Curley Otha, Monessen, PA, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, special cousins and many, many friends.

It is difficult to find words to adequately express our thanks and appreciation to everyone who has helped us during this difficult battle. We will be forever grateful for the expressions of love from our ‘Tumbleweed Street’ family and for their continual outpouring of love and support over these past years.

In lieu of flowers, friends are welcome to contribute to a Benevolent fund for his children in Memory of Danny at

Chase Bank
25692 Crown Valley Pkwy.
Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
949 365-0184
Routing/Account #570301022 / #2977997432

or send checks to
Melissa Crutchfield
PO Box 2879
Mission Viejo, CA 92690

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34 responses to Daniel Preston Crutchfield, Sr.

  1. To the Crutchfield’s, the extended family of the Brownfield’s, we would like to our deepest condolences to you and your families. Just remember that God doesn’t make any mistakes, he saw that Danny was tried, so he called him home where he will have eternal peace!!

  2. Dearest John and your beautiful family. I wanted so much to come and surprise you. Please know you all are in my prayers and on my heart. May God blessyou all during your time of sorrow and know that there is JOY in knowing Pastor Daniel P Crutchfield is with the Lord. BE BLESSED & ENCOURAGED!!

  3. LaNesha Kemp says:

    I pray that God strengthen you not only during this time of loss but years from now when you reflect on the memories of this great husband and father. Remember there is no hurt or pain that God can not heal. I believe that God will comfort you and surround you in his peace.

    Be Encouraged.

  4. Lindsey Dunn says:

    Dear Crutchfield Family,
    We love being a part of the “Tumbleweed Family” and are honored to be trusted and welcome in your home and part of your family. It is a blessing to know you all and have been so inspired by Dan and his Journey to God. We love him so much and miss him dearly. He always looked out for us whether it being just a quick peak out the door to see how we where doing or a call on the phone to see how I was in the last weeks of my last pregnancy. He closed my front door countless times when I would leave the house in a hurry and mistakenly left the door wide open. He was so funny and a real pleasure to just chat with on the driveway or while hanging around at our block parties. What a fun sense of humor and loving and kind soul. My children, Noah and Joey loved giving him “five” all the time and playing silly games too. We will always remeber Dan and his Love, Kindness, Faith and Joy. We will continue to pray for him and your family always, you are all so loved! Blessings,
    The Dunn Family

  5. I never saw my cousin without a heartfelt smile on his face, I’m sure it was a reflection of the joy he held within. I’m sorry he left us far too soon but yet I rejoice in his finishing his course and receiving all the promises he faithfully believed he would. May the hearts of his near and dear be comforted by the precious Holy Spirit. I will hold dearly all the innocent and lovely childhood memories we shared and those of our last visit together in Vegas which did all the years in between more justice than one could hope for. I’m sure Danny’s soul rests in peace in Him, and my prayers will be with his family.

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