Robert Ralph Crawford

Robert R. Crawford, affectionately known as "Bob”, passed away on December 11, 2025, at the age of 88 in Wichita, Kansas. Born on December 5, 1937, in Clay Center, Kansas, Bob was a man of integrity and dedication, whose contributions to both his profession and community will be fondly remembered.

Bob had a distinguished career in accounting, dedicating 31 years of his life to Arthur Young & Co/Ernst & Young. He became a partner at the firm in 1973 and led the Wichita and Tulsa offices until his initial retirement at the age of 58 in 1996. Following his tenure there, Bob took on a role at Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon, eventually serving as the Vice President of Taxes. He was elected president of the Kansas Society of CPA's in 2004. He made several attempts at retirement, each followed by a return to doing what he loved. He took pride in a job well done.

Bob's academic accolades include a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Kansas, which he obtained in 1960. Shortly thereafter, he passed his CPA exam and continued his education at the University of Kansas, earning his law degree in 1963.

As a family man, Bob was a pillar of strength and stability. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Grace Crawford. Survived by his wife of 64 years, Flo, his sister, Janet (Warren), his children, Steve (Sheri) and Diane (Mark), and his grandchildren, Jordan (Shelby), Julian (Sara), Jamie, Cooper, Nick, and Allison. He enjoyed being known as “Grandbob” to his grandchildren.

In addition to his family, Bob was committed to community service. He volunteered for the American Red Cross and served as treasurer of the board of the Kansas Chapter, demonstrating his dedication to helping others.

Bob was known for his dependability and generosity, with a grounded nature and an analytical mind. Beyond his professional life, he enjoyed many hobbies, including playing tennis and golf. He also had a deep love for travel and visited many countries throughout his life, with frequent trips to Colorado to spend time with family in the mountains. He enjoyed photography and was often behind the camera, capturing life’s special moments. As a KU alum, Jayhawk basketball was always a priority for him.

Bob's life was one filled with love, dedication, and achievement. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Visitation with family present will be 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM on Friday December 19, 2025, at Cozine Life Events Center, Wichita, Kansas. A funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday December 20, 2025, at East Heights United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kansas with burial following at Kensington Gardens. As family and friends gather to honor his memory, they will reflect on a life well-lived. He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers
Memorials have been established with:
East Heights United Methodist Church
4407 E. Douglas
Wichita, KS 67218
ehumc.org
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American Red Cross
707 N. Main
Wichita, KS 67203
redcross.org/donate/donation.html/