Joseph Robert Crayford

Bob Crayford, 83, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on November 2, 2025, while surrounded by his family. Bob was born in Toledo, Ohio, on October 4, 1942, to Robert and Evelyn (Ulrich) Crayford. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1963 as a boilerman on the USS Altair and the USS Stormes, which was involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. In August of 1964, he married the love of his life and sweetheart, Joan (Struber). They had two daughters, Cathleen and Julie, who were his pride and joy.
Bob worked as a boilermaker following his military service and was a member of the Boilermakers Local 85 union. Throughout his career spanning over thirty years, he worked in many refineries and factories before retiring in 1999. Following his retirement, Bob treasured everyday adventures with family and taking camping trips together.
Bob's life was marked by a deep desire to help others, whether it be a stranger, acquaintance, or family members. A man of strong faith, Bob would often share about the sense of joy and strength it brought him having Christ in his heart. Bob was very active most of his life at his childhood church, the former Redeemer Missionary Church, in Toledo, where he served in many roles as a leader and a worker. He never hesitated to assist someone with a project of any size. Despite surviving two major heart attacks, nothing seemed capable of slowing Bob down. He touched the lives of countless individuals during his lifetime, whether it was through church, bonding with fellow patients at cardiac rehab, or making memories with his family.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Joan; sisters Elaine Krontz and Connie Fuller; daughters Cathleen (Sean) McCourt and Julie (Bart) Sullins; granddaughters Sara (Tyler) Martin and Laura Sullins; great-grandson Leo Martin; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss his presence dearly.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his stepfather Clarence Holt and sister Ruth White.
Visitation will be held at Reeb Funeral Home (5712 Main St., Sylvania, OH) on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 4 to 6 PM. A funeral service will be held at Reeb Funeral Home on Saturday, November 8, at 10 AM with internment to follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park in Toledo.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's honor to Douglas Road Wesleyan Church or the Alzheimer's Association. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to those who compassionately assisted with Bob's care.