Capt. Robert Ord Crawshaw

Robert “Bob” Ord Crawshaw, 79, of the Roanoke and Salem area, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

Bob was born on Thursday, July 18, 1946, in Philipsburg, Pa., to the late Robert Gordon and Veronica Cook Crawshaw. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lynn Cecil Crawshaw; his sister, Roberta J. Beadle (Larry); brother, Thomas G. Crawshaw; and sister-in-law, Gloria Crawshaw.

Bob grew up in Philipsburg, Pa., and graduated from the United States Naval Academy (64-68). He went on to proudly serve his country for 34 years. During his years of service, he had several destroyer tours up through department head assignments including 4 years in Greece and Italy. He had a tour on the nuclear cruiser, USS Mississippi, then back to destroyers as Executive Officer (USS Caron), and then Commanding Officer (USS Mahan). Last afloat tour was as COMDESRON 26, where he was deployed to either the Mediterranean or the Red Sea for 17 months. In between, he enjoyed several shore tours throughout the United States, that were nearly all associated with shipboard combat systems and training. He retired from major shore commands as Commanding Officer of both Naval Surface Warfare Commands Port Hueneme, CA and Dam Neck, Va. After retiring from the Navy as a Captain in June 1998, he joined AMSEC LLC and retired after 9 years as Chief Executive Officer. He and Lynn, his adoring wife, moved to Salem, Va., to be closer to their 4 grandchildren, who were their pride and joy.

After serving his country, his passion for serving others continued through many organizations, including Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Glade Creek Restoration, Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia, and the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. These efforts, along with his faithful 34 years of U.S. Navy service, showcased Bob’s selfless spirit and his immense impact on his community.

Bob and Lynn shared a profound, unwavering love that spanned an incredible 57 years of marriage. Their story began in New York City when they met on 34th street as teenagers. From that very first moment, Bob’s heart was entirely captured. He spent the next nearly six decades proving his devotion daily. He adored Lynn with a rare, old-school romanticism. To him, she was just as beautiful as the day they met. He never outgrew the habit of holding her hand, opening her doors, or looking at her as if she were the only person in the room. Together, they danced in the kitchen, leaned on each other through life's many adventures, and built a sanctuary of warmth and laughter. Their marriage wasn't just a union; it was a masterclass in commitment, respect, and mutual adoration.

Left to treasure Bob’s memory are his children, Rachelle Crawshaw Brown (Kyle), Jenna Lynn Harris (Jim), and Robert William Crawshaw (Stacey); brothers, Joe Crawshaw (Gloria) and John Crawshaw (Betty); grandchildren, Chloe Mason (Parker), Laurel Anderson (Thomas), Courtney Musselwhite (Hunter), and Ethan Harris (Riley); and great-grandson, Wyatt Musselwhite.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

Bob’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Nelson Greene and Dr. Mark Currie for their compassionate care, dedication, and support during this time.

In memory of Bob’s heart for service and generosity, please consider making memorial donations to Project Healing Waters of Roanoke and the New River Valley.

Online condolences may be expressed to the Crawshaw family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.