John William Crawford

John William Crawford, 92, of Indianapolis, passed away at his home on November 28, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

John was born on June 30, 1933, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of France Leo Crawford and Mary Josephine (Johnson) Crawford. Born during the Great Depression and shaped by hardship, John learned early the values of resilience, responsibility, and hard work. By age fourteen, he was helping support his family through countless creative jobs—selling donuts, lemonade, and sandwiches, working in shops and garages, and always finding a way forward. These early experiences forged a determination and resourcefulness that would define him throughout his life.

He attended Cathedral High School and later Butler University, where he joined a fraternity and participated in ROTC. When advised to enlist rather than wait to be drafted, John entered the United States Army—one of the best decisions of his life. He was stationed in post-war Hofbrau, Germany, where he served proudly as the commanding officer’s Jeep driver, a role that brought him responsibility, trust, and opportunities he cherished for the rest of his days.

After returning home, John briefly lived in Houston, Texas, working in banking and collections before moving into sales with JW Jones Chemical Company. In 1957, while renting a room from Mrs. Pfister in Hudson, Wisconsin, he met her son Art, who encouraged him to interview with Smead Manufacturing. That encounter changed the course of his life.

John went on to spend 40 years with Smead, becoming one of the company’s most innovative and influential salesmen. He saw problems others overlooked and designed practical, ingenious solutions that helped transform filing systems across the country. His work contributed to the development of alphanumeric filing systems, open-shelf medical record systems, and the iconic red rope folder. His colleagues remembered him as fearless, inventive, humorous, and always willing to “bull his way” into the back rooms where real problems—and solutions—awaited. He retired in 1998 with deep respect for the Hoffman family and the Smead community, saying, “They treated me right, and I tried to treat them right.”

On June 25, 1960, John married Sandra “Sandy” (Donoho) Crawford after meeting on a ski trip with friends. Together they built a loving home on 20 acres in the country, raising their children among horses, pets, and endless adventures. Though demanding and driven, John was also a generous provider who made sure his family had opportunities he never did. He encouraged hard work, excellence, and “never doing a half-ass job,” and pushed his children to seek extra credit, ask questions, and aim higher.

John had many passions, but golf was one of his lifelong joys. He loved the game, the challenge, the friendships it fostered, and the peaceful hours spent on the course. He loved history and devoured anything about the world around him—especially Indiana and Indianapolis. Though he believed he struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia, he read his way through entire historical volumes, including the massive Chronicles of the 20th Century. His ability to recall events, dates, and stories was remarkable.

John was a lifelong traveler and adventurer. Family vacations were epic, educational journeys across nearly every state, most national parks, and far-flung corners of the world. He led his family into the Arctic Ocean in Point Barrow as members of the Polar Bear Club; earned scuba certifications with his children; and loved nothing more than exploring with Sandy, David, and Diana.

Fishing was one of his greatest pleasures. He shared countless fishing trips with his son David and with dear friends like Bob and Dave—creating memories filled with laughter, daring boat rides, surprises on the water, and stories retold for generations. Their trips to Marathon, Fort Myers, Canada, and beyond became beloved traditions.

A charter member of St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church in Indianapolis, John served on committees, gave generously of his time and resources, and attended faithfully for more than sixty years. Though his wife Sandy was a devoted Presbyterian, their home was one of shared faith, honest questioning, and deep respect for spiritual curiosity.

John is preceded in death by his parents and all five of his siblings: Lee Crawford, Marie (Crawford) Gottemoller, Lois Crawford, Joan (Crawford) Easley, and Charles Crawford.

He is survived by his children David Lee Crawford and Diana Crawford Kategiannis; grandchildren Christiana Grace Kategiannis, Katrina Lucille Crawford, Roxanne Giselle Crawford, Adam Emmanuel Kategiannis, and Ginger Rosemary Crawford; sister-in-law Linda Crawford; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

John’s life was shaped by hardship, strengthened by determination, and softened by humor, generosity, and grace. He was a man who rose above his beginnings, worked tirelessly for those he loved, and forged a legacy of resilience, creativity, and devotion.

He has simply gone a little ahead of us, as travelers do—crossing quietly beyond the horizon where our eyes cannot yet follow.

May his memory be eternal, and may he rest in God’s peace.

The family would like to invite friends to a visitation on Friday, December 12, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Flanner Buchanan - Speedway, located at 2950 North High School Road, Indianapolis, IN 46224.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 12:00 Noon at St. Garbiel the Archangel Catholic Church, located at 6000 West 34th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46224. Father Michael O'Mara will officiate. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in John's name be made to the following charities:

Alzheimer's Disease Research by clicking here.

National Audubon Society by clicking here.

or to WFYI PBS Public Meida by clicking here.