Robert H. Crawford, Jr. died October 29, 2020, after a fall during a power outage at his Norman, Oklahoma home. He was born August 20, 1944 in Upper Darby, a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His mother was Ruth Renz Crawford, and his father was Robert H. Crawford, who was serving in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II when his son was born.
Bob grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs. He graduated from Haverford Township Senior High School in Havertown, Pennsylvania in 1962, then went to Gettysburg College, where he majored in political science, joined Theta Chi fraternity, and was in the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps. In June 1966, he graduated from Gettysburg, received a commission as a second lieutenant, and married Linda Motley.
His Air Force career took him to Florida, South Carolina, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Colorado, Germany, Ohio (where daughter Kimberly was born), Germany (where son Scott was born), Oklahoma, Alaska, Virginia, and back to Oklahoma. He amassed over 3,400 flying hours in the Boeing E-3 airborne warning and control aircraft. He retired as a colonel in 1992.
Bob received a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma in 1974, and his professional military education included Squadron Officer School, Air Command & Staff College, and Air War College.
After retiring from the Air Force, Bob worked first for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, then as a defense contractor for Boeing. He enjoyed bird hunting in the Midwest, and he helped with son Scott’s career as a professional motorcycle racer. Bob was active in his hometown of Norman within the Lutheran church, University of Oklahoma football games, and later as a substitute teacher at All Saints Catholic School. He could often be found behind a camera lens at his grandsons’ extracurricular events. His clever wit was admired by all ages and his crafty smile was always intriguing. Bob lived bravely, loved sincerely, and fought gallantly.
He is survived by wife Linda, daughter Kimberly Oplotnik, son Scott, grandsons Austin and Adam Oplotnik, and brother Charles Crawford. A service and burial ceremony will be held in the Spring at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Robert H. Crawford Jr. to the Disabled American Veterans would be welcomed.
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