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Long-time former Fort Wayne City Councilman Dr. John Crawford has died

Long-time Fort Wayne City Councilman-at-large and area physician Dr. John Crawford died Sunday.

The 73-year-old was a well-known face during his tenure on the city council, which stretched from 1995 to 2020. He ran for the Republican nomination for mayor in 2019, but lost to local businessman Tim Smith.

Originally from New Orleans and a graduate of Louisiana State University Medical School, he moved to Fort Wayne in the late 1970s.

A radiation oncologist, Dr. Crawford was in practice at GenesisCare on the campus of Parkview Regional Medical Center.

In the mid-2000’s, Dr. Crawford spearheaded efforts to ban smoking in public businesses within Fort Wayne city limits, including bars, restaurants and bowling alleys. He won the often-heated fight over the issue, and in June 2007, the ban went into effect.

A few years later, the state of Indiana adopted a similar ban.

Crawford came around to the idea of Parkview Field and Harrison Square, and also proposed the local income tax hike to help fund Riverfront development.

Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, a Democrat, remembered Crawford fondly.

"I’m deeply saddened by the sudden death of my friend Dr. John Crawford. He worked tirelessly for our city in his position as City Councilman At-Large and stayed very involved even after he left office," Henry said in a statement. "I had the honor of working with him on several pieces of legislation. Cindy and I send our heartfelt condolences to his family on their loss."

Republican 3rd District Representative Jim Banks praised Crawford as a model public servant to every office holder in northeast Indiana.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia and son, Grant.

Rebecca manages the news at WBOI. She joined the staff in December 2017, and brought with her nearly two decades of experience in print journalism, including 15 years as an award-winning reporter for the Journal Gazette in Fort Wayne.
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