Robert G. Crumpton, 1935-2015

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Crumpton
Robert Crumpton

Robert Crumpton, a retired executive director of the Oregon Education Association (OEA), passed away Oct. 6 after a short and sudden illness. He was 80.

Crumpton was executive director of OEA from 1973 to 1998, where he helped lead passage of the Collective Bargaining Act for Public Employees and the teacher tenure and layoff laws. He was among the union leaders who battled against the likes of Bill Sizemore, who fought for increases in PERS benefits, and funding for education.

Crumpton helped facilitate the creation of the OEA Collective Bargaining Fund, which supports political organizing; the OEA Relief Fund, and the OEA Foundation, which helps Oregon students meet their most basic needs so they can be more successful in school.

After retiring, OEA honored him by creating the Robert G. Crumpton Organizational Excellence award, which is given to a deserving OEA member each year.

Robert Garness Crumpton was born in Webster City, Iowa. He graduated from Webster City’s high school in 1953. He studied music at Grinnell College, with a focus as an organist, and spent time at the  Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. He earned a master’s degree in education from  the University of Michigan.

After serving in the U.S. Navy as a choir recruiter, director and Chaplain’s assistant in Germany, Robert began teaching in 1965.

He was active in his local union, advancing to executive director in Waterford Township, Pontiac, Mich.

Crumpton met Ann Louise Hamilton in 1966. They were married June 17, 1967. They moved to Beaverton, Oregon in 1974.

Crumpton is survived by his wife; daughter, Susan Crumpton; son, Robert C. Crumpton; and four grandchildren. Susan is a UniServ consultant and an OEA member.

Remembrances in lieu of flowers may be made to the OEA Foundation, 6900 S.W. Atlanta St., Portland, OR 97223, or the Kendall Young Library, 1201 Willson Ave., Webster City, IA 50595.

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