Foil: 11 Panel: 1 Column: 3 Line: 14

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Gayle Stamler

No one has ever loved flying more than our dad, Bob Crum. No matter what the occasion, his eyes always turned to the skies at the sound of an airplane engine, and a great look of contentment came over his face when watching a plane fly overhead.

Dad got his pilot’s license in 1958 and instrument rating shortly thereafter. His first plane, a Stinson 108, was acquired in ’62. His membership in the AOPA has been continuous since 1960. He was a “Bonanza man,” owning an H-35 for twenty years, old “N8201D” which was well known by family and friends. He later acquired a V-35A Bonanza which he flew until the mid 90s. Being an avid Florida Gator, his Bonanzas were Orange and Blue on white with orange and blue velour interiors. Following five coronary by-passes in ’87, he obtained his medical within seven months and continued flying until the mid ‘90s. Several thousand hours of flight time were recorded in his treasured aircraft.

His involvement with aircraft continued thru membership in the GJT Hangar of Quiet Birdmen and the ROCKY MOUNTAIN Wing of the CAF; he also worked the Warbird Flight Line at the Sun ‘N Fun Fly-in for a number of years. He especially relished flights in World War II aircraft, especially the P-51, TBM-3 and B-25.

Throughout his life, he has had the greatest respect for pilots and astronauts, and has always felt a kinship with everyone in the fellowship of flight and exploration.