A friend to all who knew him, he played many roles in a very full life. In his own words:
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DEAD TO THE WORLD
I have been the luckiest guy, lived two lives, and enjoyed the best of two worlds.
The first, single life began when my brother Dick and I won the ovarian lottery and were born to John H. and Evelyn Wilson Crawford. We were raised and educated in the wonderful world of the middle class. I graduated from Linden McKinley High School and The Ohio State University, where I was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, ROTC, and Ohio Staters. I was Field Director of the Block "O" in 1951 and '52, and a varsity cheerleader in '53 and '54 - and cheered in the '55 Rose Bowl for Woody Hayes' first undefeated Big Ten, Rose Bowl, and National Championship team.
I became a professional comedian; producer/director and actor on the stage, screen, radio and television; an artist; and a teacher.
My second and best life began in 1973, when I married Harriet Romanoff and her four beautiful daughters: Karin, Julie, Laurie, and Lynn. I was blessed when meeting and being accepted by Harriet and the girls - that was the luckiest thing to happen in my life. The five of them made me very happy and very proud.
With that package came a Collie named Pepper, and three best friends: brother-in-law Ivan Romanoff, and a little later sons-in-law Jon Orr and Mike Heifner. Seven wonderful grandchildren followed: Benjamin, Matthew, and Michael Orr; Hallie Pendergast; and Robbie, Hannah and Sam Heifner. My brother Dick and many nieces and nephews complete our close family.
One set back was when Julie preceded me in 2011. I said at the time that chronologically I should be next, and I did not want anyone 'ditching' me anymore. Other than the loss of Dick's dear wife Jo in 2012, they haven't.
During my life I had many close and meaningful friends, a loving family, and a wonderful life. When I was growing up, I wanted to be somebody. I should have been more specific.
"It is all right not to be famous if you don't want to be."
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Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of John's life will be held this Sunday, Sept. 3 from 1-4 PM at the Ohio Union, in the Sigma Phi Epsilon Lounge on the third floor. The family wishes to thank the physicians and staff at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Wesley Glen, and Ohio Health Hospice for their care and support in recent months. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to your favorite charity. Arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL.
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