Geary Crofford

On Saturday, August 11, 2018, Geary Don Crofford passed away at the age of 53.

Geary was born on February 18, 1965, in Cottage Grove, Oregon. In late 1965, his family moved to Tahlequah. In 1983, he graduated as valedictorian from Tahlequah High School. Geary continued his education at Northeastern State University and graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science Education. He completed a Masters of Science in Biology from the University of Texas, El Paso in 1994 and accomplished a life goal of becoming an Oklahoma Sooner when he completed his PhD in Instruction Leadership and Academic Curriculum with an emphasis in Science Education in 2011. As an incessant learner, in 2016 Geary earned his Masters of Education in Teaching and Administrative Certification at Northeastern State University. Later in his teaching career, he would become a published author in several science journals.

It is evident through Geary's own education that he is a strong believer and supporter of education. Geary began his teaching career at Coronado High School in El Paso, Texas, in 1988. His career would span 30 years and he would make a difference in hundreds of young people's lives. He instilled a passion of science into his students who would later become doctors, nurses, research scientists, as well as science teachers.

Geary had a zest for life that emanated in everything he did. He loved watching OU football, listening to Rush, watching Monty Python, playing with his nieces and nephews, constantly reading, and entertained us all as a professional air-guitarist and drummer. He was proud to partner with his brother as they worked the Crofford Brothers Orchard and sold apples at the yearly Hillsboro Apple Festival in New Mexico. Geary was a loving son, an exceptional brother, a carefree uncle, a dedicated educator, and a phenomenal friend. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand and would always go out of his way to help others.

"Far better, it seems to me in our vulnerability, is to look Death in the eye and to be grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides."
- Carl Sagan

Geary is survived by his parents Riley and Carol Crofford of Tahlequah, his brother and sister-in-law Jamie and Michele Crofford of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, his sister Rebecca Crofford-Brant of Tahlequah, his nieces Victoria, Anna Lisa, and Carolyn Crofford, his nephews Ty and Nate Brant, his great-nieces Jaycee and Marcee and great-nephew Mikey.

We are all incredibly blessed and deeply thankful for the time we got to spend with you, Geary. May you soar forever among the stars and in our hearts. Upon Geary's wishes there will not be a service. However, the family has set up a donation page at Science Equipment in Geary's Memory.

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