Edward Paul Crapol

A historian, teacher, family man, and friend, Ed was born in Buffalo, New York, on September 29, 1936, to Paul Crapol and Emmi Klinger Crapol. His parents emigrated from Germany in the early 1930s seeking the opportunities America offered themselves and their children. Ed excelled at school and became the first in his family to attend college, working at whatever jobs were available to pay his way, whether digging ditches or ironing shirts. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York in Buffalo in 1960, as well as a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in 1964 and 1968 respectively. At Wisconsin, Ed studied with the renowned historian William Appleman Williams, which led him to spend his academic career focused on teaching, learning, and writing about American diplomatic history.

Ed joined the History Department at the College of William and Mary in 1967. As a teacher of American history, he offered course offerings in high demand by students, including the very popular class on America and Vietnam, which one semester drew nearly 300 students. An undergraduate and graduate mentor, he directed the master’s theses and PhD dissertations of many who went on to teach, write, and research at other institutions. A survey of William and Mary alumni in the 1990s asked what course had the most impact on their lives. Two of Ed’s courses were listed in the top ten. As a prolific scholar, Ed authored three books. He edited one collection of essays, resulting in a 1987 book on women in American foreign policy, and contributed to numerous other publications. His contributions to William and Mary include chairing the History Department for several years and serving on a variety of department and college-wide committees. In recognition of his contributions, he was the recipient of the Thomas A. Graves Award for Sustained Excellence in Teaching, the Thomas Jefferson Award, and the Faculty Service Award. In 1994, he was named Chancellor Professor of History.

Ed had a life-long commitment to equity, civil rights, and opportunity for all. During his early years in Williamsburg, he was a member of the community-based Human Relations Council, which worked on racial justice issues, and actively registered voters. He worked with William and Mary staff to promote better pay and working conditions, and was a vocal opponent of the War in Vietnam.

Following retirement in 2004, Ed published John Tyler: the Accidental President, a biography of the tenth U. S. President. He considered it his finest work. More recently, while undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, he was hard at work on a biography of Lyon G. Tyler, one of President Tyler’s sons.

Ed was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was an avid sports fan who followed Tribe soccer, Nationals baseball, Washington and Green Bay football, Liverpool soccer, all of which he enjoyed with his children, grandchildren and friends. Ed traveled extensively in the U.S and abroad, from cross-country trips with his sons, to a year as an exchange professor in England, to trips to Europe, Southeast Asia, Cuba, and China. One of his enduring favorites was Hawaii, where he and Jeanne celebrated their 40th anniversary with family.

He treasured time with his family, especially with a glass of wine while presiding over lively discussions of history and current events.

Ed was a loyal friend to many. He especially cherished his decades-long friendships with Ron Meyers and Craig Canning. For more than 20 years, his Thursday night pool group was a source of camaraderie and competitive fun.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Guenther and Helmut; and son, Andrew. He is survived by his wife of more than 47 years, Jeanne Zeidler; his daughters Heidi A. Crapol and Jennifer (John) Sedbrook; son, Paul Crapol; sister, Marianne Crapol, grandchildren Bryce and Blake Sedbrook, Christopher and Jonathan (Len) Walters, and Layla Rodriguez; great grandchild Carmella Rodriguez; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, a brother-in-law and three sisters-in-law, and many friends.

Ed will be interred at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Williamsburg, Virginia, with a private observance, owing to current COVID restrictions. A celebration of his life will be held when it is safe to do so.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to benefit the Ed Crapol Award in Modern U.S. History (#3925) or to the Andrew E. Crapol Scholarship Fund (#3307). Checks should be made payable to William & Mary and sent to the Gift Accounting Office, P.O. Box 1693, Williamsburg, VA 23187-1693. Memorial gifts can also be made online at giving.wm.edu.