Mt. Zion – Larry E. Crowder, 65, of Mt. Zion formerly of Bethany passed away, Monday December 20, 2010 at Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL.
A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt. Zion. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois Charitable Foundation. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at dawson-wikoff.com.
Larry was born on March 3, 1945 in Decatur, the son of Loren and Charlotte (Woodruff) Crowder. He graduated from Bethany High School in 1963, attended DeVry Technical Institute, enlisted in the Army from 1965-1967, and went on to receive an Associates Degree from Richland Community College. Larry was retired from Caterpillar after thirty-five years of service to the company. After his retirement from Caterpillar, Larry instructed machine shop classes at the Decatur Area Vocational School. He was a member of the American Legion Post in Bethany. He was a member of the Coziahr Harley Davidson HOG chapter and enjoyed riding his motorcycle with his wife on many trips.
Larry married Barbara (Canaday) Crowder on July 6, 1985. Larry was a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, friend and an exceptional grandfather. He was a man of pride and integrity and never knew a stranger. He was the proud Papa of four grandchildren.
Surviving is his wife: Barbara of Mt. Zion; children: Nathan Crowder of Marion, IN; Jill Crowder of Champaign, IL and Derek Crowder and his wife Tia of O’Fallon, IL; father: Loren Crowder of Winfield, MO; brothers: Richard Crowder and his wife Cathy of Glen Carbon, IL and Roger Crowder and his wife Debbie of Winfield, MO; grandchildren; Cody and Jillian Crowder of O’Fallon, IL, Coleton and Piper Crowder of Charleston, IL; many nieces, nephews and extended family members also survive.
Larry was preceded in death by his mother and special extended family members.
Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home of Mt. Zion
“A Life Celebration Home”
| Tony & Carla Franklin |
Friends |
December 27, 2010 |
Barb and Family,
Larry will be missed by many. Some of my best times at Caterpillar was working side by side with Larry. We had some great times and they will all be remembered.
Tony
| Mike & Rita Cobb |
Friends |
December 24, 2010 |
Barb,
We were so sorry to hear about Larry. If there is anything we can do to help you, please let us know. We will never forget all the good times on the boats and cycles. Larry will be greatly missed.
Love you,
Mike & Rita
| Candy Monroe |
Friend |
December 23, 2010 |
Barb,
We have our wonderful memories of all the great times we had together. Larry was a wonderful person, who always had a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed by so many people especially the old "Gang". I pray for your strength and guidance and know that we are all there for you, always....
Love you,
Candy
| Wilma Spencer |
Friend |
December 23, 2010 |
Barb,
So many fun and wonderful memories of the gang. My wish to you is that you carry all the memories close to your heart. When the pain lessens the smiles will come everytime you think of Big Lar! Love you
Wilma
| Laurie (Sharp) Sanders |
Family |
December 23, 2010 |
