Robert Lee & Sharon Kay Craw

Robert Lee Craw, 87 of Colorado Springs, CO passed away quietly at home on July 10, 2022. He was born March 19, 1935 in Stratton, NE to Paul and Laura Craw. He is survived by his wife of 66 years and the love of his life, Sharon K. Craw, his loving children, Sherry Kinney of North Platte, NE, Jacki Jenkins of Grand Island, NE, Robert T. Craw of Colorado Springs, CO, Sgt. Andy L. Craw, Ret. (Vickie) of Columbus, GA and his brother, Paul Craw from Wichita, KS. Robert is also survived by 10 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. 

Robert grew up in the small town of Stratton in southwest NE where he graduated from high school. He attended college at McCook Community College and finished his teaching degree at Kearney State College. He was also a star athlete in college winning a Gold Medal in the high jump at the National Junior College Track Meet his Senior year. He majored in Mathematics and taught high school math in Pender, NE, Max, NE, and Benkelman, NE. He went back to Kearney State and received his master’s degree in mathematics in 1986 graduating with honors. He and Sharon then moved to California where he taught at Bloomington Schools for another 18 years. Robert was also involved extensively in coaching Volleyball and track. 

Robert had an infectious personality and smile and never missed a moment to share his life journey and stories. He touched so many lives with his teaching, coaching, and private business he had. It’s impossible to mention everything he accomplished without writing a book but to summarize it, he was always helping someone! He loved what he did and gave it his whole heart.

Robert was the most loving, caring, and supportive husband, father and grandfather and made sure his family knew how much he loved them every time he saw any of them. His wife and four children were by his side when he passed. He will be greatly missed!

For those who wish to support the family, they are asking that you make memorial donations to the National Alzheimer’s & Dementia Research Association in Robert L Craw’s name. The link is as follows: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Research | Alzheimer’s Association

“He never looked for praises

He was never one to boast

He just went on quietly working

For the ones he loved the most.

His dreams were seldom spoken

His wants were very few

And most of the time his worries

Went unspoken too

He was there…A Firm Foundation

Through all our storms of life

A sturdy hand to hold on to

In times of stress and strife

A true friend we could turn to

When times were good and bad

One of our greatest blessings. Our loving husband and dad!”

Sharon Kay Craw, 83, of Colorado Springs, CO passed away quietly at home on February 25,2024, surrounded by her family. She was born March 08, 1940 in Stratton, NE to Norris and Marjorie Miles. 

Sharon grew up in the small town of Stratton in southwest NE where she attended school. She married Robert L Craw in January, 1956 and they were blessed with four children and several grandchildren and great grandchildren during their 64 year marriage!

After high school, she was involved in a family business for several years before going on to obtained her certification in Respiratory Therapy. After successfully getting her certification, she worked in the Dundy County Hospital and Kearney Hospital. Sharon and her husband, Robert, moved to California in 1986 and Sharon continued her RT career at several hospitals in the San Bernardino area. 

Sharon was a very strong woman. She had several health issues but always had a way of overcoming those issues to focus on family. Family was her life and her love for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren was immeasurable. Although her family was spread across the country, she was always in touch with everyone making sure things were ok and making sure they all knew how much she loved them!

Sharon was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive blood cancer, MDS, Myelodysplastic Syndrome, in late January, 2024. We lost her a month later. She is survived by her loving children, Sherry Kinney of North Platte, NE, Jacki Jenkins of Grand Island, NE, Robert T. Craw of Colorado Springs, CO, and Sgt. Andy L. Craw, Ret. (Vickie) of Columbus, GA. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Craw, her father and mother, all of her siblings, and one granddaughter. 

For those who wish to support the family, please make donations to the American Cancer Society and specifically MDS research. 

A memorial service honoring both Robert and Sharon will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM CST at Rose Hill Cemetery in Stratton, Nebraska with Pastor Alisa Parde officiating.