JOHN N. CRAWFORD

JOHN N. CRAWFORD, 73, of Fort Wayne, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack while playing tennis. He was a native of New Orleans, a graduate of LSU, undergrad and medical school, and then served as Chief Resident in Radiation Oncology at the Medical College of Virginia. He took his "first job" in Fort Wayne because the building foundation had been dug and he never left the community he learned to love. His respect and love for every patient was returned in kind for which he was grateful. Friends and family relied on his intellect for second opinions. He, Deep Bajpai, Prasad Mantravadi and Jim Gates grew a team of radiation oncologists respected throughout the country. He was known as a civil servant but was most especially proud of responding to any and every concern a city constituent voiced. He was never too busy to listen. People always found him generous with his time and treasure. His family is relieved to say he finally bagged that 10' bear in Alaska this year. While he hated air travel hassles, John traveled the globe - always in coach - and led a full, adventurous life. He even admitted that Palm Beach was "pretty nice". He felt he had mastered gardening and had acquired the skill of correcting crossword puzzles done in ink. He enjoyed "Good Guys at Sunrise", original Star Trek, Dilbert comics and Pinwheels. He was planning on one more City Council run which his family discouraged at every turn. His most proud accomplishment in life, he often said, was his son Grant. Along with his son, his beloved wife, Marcia M. Crawford, survives. Both will miss his sharp wit. He also leaves behind his mother-in-law, Helen Mitson; brother-in-law, Chris (Susan) Mitson; nephews, Ozzie (Christina) Mitson, Tony Mitson, and Mickey (Kara) Mitson; great niece, Elena Mitson; and great nephew, Christoper Mitson. Additionally, CousCous, his therapy cat lives. He was preceded in death by parents, John and Meddie Crawford; his beloved sibling, Sis; and his father-in-law, Oscar Mitson. He was leading in the tennis match. A celebration of life is from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, July 22, 2022, at Memorial Coliseum. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hoosiers Feeding The Hungry, Wellspring food bank or Questa Education Foundation would be appreciated.