Michael Crespo

Michael passed away Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010, at the Butterfly Wing of Hospice of Baton Rouge. He was 63, a resident of Baton Rouge and native of New Orleans. He was an artist, professor and director of the School of Art at LSU, where he taught for 35 years. He was awarded an endowed Alumni Professorship and the Distinguished Professor of Art honor. Michael's work was shown nationally and internationally and he was a longstanding artist in galleries in Houston and Memphis. His work is found in numerous major collections around the country. He was the author of three books on painting and taught workshops in Italy and Greece. He was a lover of poetry and music and took great joy in sharing his passions with his beloved students. He is survived by his wife, Libby Johnson Crespo; daughter, Clare Crespo Chinlund and husband James, of Los Angeles; son, Paul Crespo and wife Marie, of Baton Rouge; sister, Deborah Crespo, of Baton Rouge; mother-in-law, Bebe Johnson Sill; grandchildren, Ruby Chinlund, Sophie Crespo and Sven Crespo; nieces, Tara Taylor Robin and Alexa Montgomery; nephew, Hans Montgomery; sister-in-law, Barbara Ross; and brother-in-law, Lea Johnson. Preceded in death by his father, Harold Crespo; and mother, Mary Buford Crespo. Visiting at First United Methodist Church, 930 North Blvd., on Saturday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. until memorial service at 1 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Susie Thomas and Father Augustine Wetta, O.S.B. The family would like to thank the staff of the Hospice of Baton Rouge's Butterfly Wing and Dr. Christopher McCanless for their excellent care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice of Baton Rouge, 9063 Siegen Lane, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, Children's Art Project, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Box 30143, Houston, TX 77230-1435 or First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 930 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70802. Arrangements by Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St.