Fonda Lynne Crawford

Mom’s Glorious Passing to Heaven

January 24, 2026

Fonda Lynne Crawford (Kinser) of Springfield, age 77, stepped peacefully into the glory of heaven on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Mercy Hospital. Born on July 25, 1948, to Everett Leon and Sammie Lee Kinser (Williams). Fonda grew into a woman whose life was marked by kindness, faith, and a genuine love for others.

A proud graduate of Central High School’s Class of 1966, Fonda later spent nearly 13 years serving the Clever School District. She worked wherever she was needed, but her heart was especially drawn to the art classrooms. There, she poured encouragement, joy, and the love of Jesus into countless students and staff. Her compassion was unmistakable—steady, sincere, and freely given. Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ was not just something she did; it was who she was.

Fonda loved deeply and without condition. Her daughter, Carnetta, and son-in-law, Curtis, were her greatest earthly treasures. She shared a rare and beautiful bond with them, often expressing how grateful she was for their devotion and the life they helped her enjoy. She often expressed Curtis was one of Carnetta’s greatest gifts, and the best son-in-law a mom could have ever asked for.

For more than 30 years, Fonda was a faithful member of Solid Rock Church. A gifted pianist, she played with unwavering dedication—every service, every season, no matter how she felt. She often said she would play until she simply couldn’t anymore, and she kept that promise. Some of her sweetest memories were made at the piano, singing and worshiping alongside her best friend and sister in Christ, Betty Maggard (“Aunt Betty”). Together, they spent many joyful years ministering in churches and gatherings throughout the area.

Fonda cherished time with her sister Cathy and husband David Horsey, sharing adventures, laughter, and the kind of companionship only siblings can know. She also treasured her yearly outings with her dear friend Stephanie Brown. Yet she equally valued the quiet moments at home—her sanctuary—where she found peace in solitude and simple joys like working puzzles.

One of her proudest blessings was watching her daughter become part of Ashley Ministries Praise and Worship. Fonda loved traveling with the ministry and was affectionately named their honorary Road Manager, a title she carried with delight.

Fonda was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Prince Albert and Ollie Kinser; her parents, Everett Leon and Sammie Lee Kinser; and her husband, Lonnie Crawford.

She is survived by her daughter, Carnetta Crawford, and husband Curtis; her sister Cathy Horsey and husband David; her brother Kevin Kinser and wife Kim; nephews Michael Horsey (Deanna), Todd Horsey (Sherry), David Horsey (Susan), and Kelia White (Dean); greatnephews and niece Andrew (Rachel), David III, Josh, Cooper, Amanda (Samir), Addison; and greatgreat niece Evelyn. She also leaves behind many cousins, friends, and extended family who loved her dearly.

Fonda’s life was richly blessed by the people who surrounded her. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Solid Rock Church, Andrea Crawford, Sam and Lydia Ashley (and their children), Francis Carlock, Daniel and Kim Woodall, Pauline Ownby, Dana Gray, Gary Augustus, Jason and Catrina Horned, Kristen Briglia, Emory and Tina Shoemaker, Denise Evans, Lisa Summers, Donna Hicks, and Sye Engelke. Each of you touched her life in meaningful ways.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri. A service will be held after visitation at 11:00 AM with burial to follow at Fordland Cemetery in Fordland, Missouri.