William "Bill" R. Crow
October 4, 1927 ~ November 27, 2020
William “Bill” R. Crow, age 93, passed away November 27, 2020. Bill was born in Butte, Montana, on October 4, 1927, the oldest of Mamie and Ralph Crow’s two sons. During his youth, his family moved to Kansas and thus began his lifelong connection to Wichita. He joined the United States Marine Corps while still a young teenager and fought with the 1st Division in WWII, where he saw action as a communications runner and fought in the Battle of Peleliu. Bill returned to combat to serve his country again in the Korean War, this time surviving the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. His humble service will remain as an enduring example of his patriotism and love of country. Following WWII, Bill met the love of his life, Betty Johnson, and after a romance filled with much laughter and good times, they were married in 1947 and celebrated their 73rd anniversary on November 22, 2020. Their union was blessed with two daughters, and over the years, their family grew to include four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, which were his greatest joy in life. Bill graduated from Friends University with a degree in Fine Arts and was an accomplished pianist and artist. He enjoyed classical music, attending the symphony, and singing in the choir. He held various jobs after returning from combat and completing his education, but his most significant accomplishment was starting an aircraft hardware business in 1972 called Midwest Fastener Supply. It is still ran by his family today. His people skills were top notch and everyone, whether it was his fellow businessmen, his employees, or his customers, knew that he was a man of honesty and integrity. Bill was a member of Bethel Presbyterian Church for over 60 years, until its closing in 2018. During those years, he taught Sunday School, led Bible Study, was choir director, and even “filled the pulpit” as he would say, in times of need. Outside of church, he was most content on the golf course, where he played well into his 80s. He lived his Christian faith daily by always seeing the good in everyone. He had many lifelong friends as a result of his kind and generous heart. His compassionate and gentle spirit will be remembered by all those who were blessed to know him. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dallas Crow; brother-in-law, William Johnson, and granddaughter, Molly Ann Oeding. Bill is survived by his wife, Betty; daughters, Pamela Oeding (Lawrence) and Marsha Sutton (Steve); grandchildren, Amy McEachern (Brian), Emily Rex (Douglas) and Anastasia Pike (David); great-grandchildren, Carson McEachern, Chloe McEachern, Colin McEachern, Kailey Rex, Kinley Rex, Emersyn Pike, Ellis Pike and Olivia Pike; cousin, Irene Jones, and sister-in-law, Barbara Crow. Private family services have been held. A memorial has been established with Kansas Food Bank, Food-4-Kids Program, 1919 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67211. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
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To Betty & Family. Bill was always a joy to be around. And like you we will miss not having in our world. He was a blessing to all the Bethel Familly. We will keep you in our prayers as you go through this difficult time. John & Jean Davies
I just heard that Bill Crow had passed on. Bill and I sang in the church choir together for many year’s. He and his wife were great examples to my kid’s growing up. I enjoyed taking Bill fly fishing for trout. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him. Wally Lindenmuth
I will miss listening to Uncle Bills Stories about family and also his experience in the USMC. He had a tremendous range of life experiences and many hilarious stories about family, his and dads aunts and uncles when his was a young child. I miss my business trips to Wichita where we would sit in the basement and look at his collections, craft projects and he would tell me stories about family and his time in battle in WWII and Korea. There were so many stories and photos that I wish I had recorded. He also had to be the best collector of used golf balls I have ever met. He was a good honest man and taught me many things about life and people that I will retain through my life. We talked on the phone a few months ago and he said that he was tired and didn’t know why God was taking so long with him. I know he was ready and that he is in a better place but I will miss him and our conversations very much. He was loved by many.
Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni. Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever. Thank you William for your service to this nation. U.S. Marine Corps, WWII and Korean War.