Paul G. Crawford, 79, of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away on April 7, 2023 after a battle with Leukemia.
Paul was born on June 8, 1943 to Paul & Mary Crawford in Tampa, Florida. After Paul graduated from Robinson High School in 1961, he went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in business at the University of Florida (UF).
While in UF law school, Paul enlisted as an officer in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. After 17 years of active military service, Paul went on to get a Master’s in English & a Master’s in Education. While working on his PhD, he taught at the University of Central AR, UALR, Louisiana State University, & Southeastern Louisiana University. Before retiring, Paul worked at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond for 23 years in the English Department.
Paul enjoyed playing bridge, collecting books of antiquity, and traveling with his wife.
Paul was preceded in death by his father, Paul G. Crawford, Sr., and his mother, Mary Criswell. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Darlene Reid Crawford, his son Paul Reid Crawford (wife- Vincenza), his daughter Dawn Cormier, his daughter Laurie Crawford St. Cyr-Huggins (husband- Josh), and his grandchildren Alexandra Crawford, Courtney Crawford, Abbie Crawford, Erin Cormier, Victoria Hillard, Katie Hillard, Gideon Cormier, Whitney St. Cyr, Kaleigh Huggins, and Joshua Huggins.
Paul’s request was to be cremated with his ashes spread on his mother and father’s grave.
I was just made aware of Paul’s passing and am just brokenhearted. The world will be less interesting without Paul. When my oldest son was born, many years ago at Women’s Hospital, I met this delightful man who seemed as excited about his birth as I was – and my excitement was such that trying to bring the car around to pick my wife and new baby up, I got into a small fender bender accident. Here was this man who patiently calmed everyone, reassured us that the issue was the baby not the car, and had us all laughing. While at Southeastern Paul became our “go to” person for evaluating rare books. He never accepted a penny for his work, he simply enjoyed being helpful. I will miss his friendship, his professionalism, and most importantly – his infectious smile. Peace to you dear friend – and to all your family.
I worked with Paul at Woman’s Hospital and have wondered through the years how he was. He was an awesome person and I know he will be greatly missed. My prayers are with the family at this time. May Jesus comfort you.
Paul Crawford was a great man. I send my deepest condolences.
Blessing of Ashes Saturday morning at St George Catholic Church 10 ro 11 Baton Rouge 7808 St George Drive
Among my best memories of Paul is the fishing trip he and my son took with us in Leeville, La. The fishing itself was unremarkable, but the fun of being with him and his stories made the trip memorable. We played cards that night. His patience with my lack of card playing skills led me to see what a great guy he really was.
Paul will be sorely missed.
Darlene, I grieve for you.
We are crushed in spirit to hear of this. Paul was a big inspiration to our son, James Linden Hogg. Our earnest prayers over the family & loved ones during this time of grief and loss.
Thank you!!! If you can attend the Blessing of Paul’s ashes will be At St George Catholic Church Capel this Saturday morning 10-11am
Mr. Crawford was an amazing man and teacher. His passion for teaching and English was so inspirational after my 1st semester, I arranged my schedule so I could have him as an instructor including driving to Livingston Parish for his Early American Literature course.
He continued to be a role model and friend through my Master’s courses and staff position. He will be greatly missed.
Paul Crawford was my mentor at Southeastern. Half of who I am and what I accomplished is because of him. His love of books, literature, and awful jokes are legendary. I never exactly knew what people meant by someone with a “sparkle in their eye” until I met Paul. It along with his mischievous smile will be forever remembered by me and my family. A great light has gone out of the universe with his passing, but his memory and lessons will long be remembered by all who knew him. He was godfather to my son, Nicholas; he was my mentor; he was my friend.
Darlene and family – Larry and I are so sorry to learn of your family’s loss. He was an outstanding man and will be missed by many.