Art-Bio.Com, Intrest of R. W. (Bob) Crawford

Items of Interest about R. W. (Bob) Crawford

When Bob came home from serving as an MP during World War II, he wasn't sure what he wanted to do, but he knew that he didn't want to be a policeman. He thought about what he had done during his life that had made him happy, and realized that he enjoyed drawing. At Ohio State University, Bob was told that he would have to decide on a degree program. He had never thought about teaching, but signed up for education with a major in art. Bob taught art in the Indianapolis Public School system for many years. He was a teacher at Emmerich Manual Training High School for 39 years and taught night school for 34 years.

Certificate of Honor from Emmerich Manual High School

During the summers, when he was not teaching, Bob needed to find other employment. He worked as a security guard, sold insurance contracts for a heating company, and did other jobs that helped tide him over. Bob's most memorable job was working in a lead foundry. He recalls the roar of the furnace in the center of the large building, and the fact that the work was hard and dangerous. Bob also remembers the people with whom he worked. He says that they were always working and always watching out for one another. Bob created a series of paintings inspired by his work in the foundry. They include portraits of some of his co-workers, the stoking of the furnace and workers taking time for a meal.

Painting from the Foundry Series

Bob served in the Army for 38 months during World War II. He was part of the European Theatre of Operations - 1st Infantry Division - Military Police Platoon. Bob was only 19 years old when he began a tour of duty that included North Africa, Sicily, England, Omaha Beach, France, Belgium, Germany and Czechoslovakia. When Bob returned to the United States, he met Jean Fralinger, the girl who would later become his wife. Bob and Jean were married for over 25 years and raised three children. After Jean passed away, Bob and his youngest daughter were on their own until he ran into an old acquaintance who was taking care of three sons by herself. After a couple of dates, Bob asked her if she wanted some help raising her boys. Bob enjoyed visits from his children and grandchildren.

Photograph of Bob and his brother taken during WWII

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