January 6, 1926 - July 14, 2012
Don Crowell, of Bend, Oregon passed away peacefully after a brief illness on July 14, 2012, with his family at his bedside.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 23, 2:00 p.m., at Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home in Bend.
Don was born January 6, 1926, in Upland, CA. He joined the Navy in 1943, serving in Alaska. After his return, Don graduated from Chaffey H.S. in 1945, and received a Bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California in 1950. Additionally, he received a Master's Degree in Public Administration in 1973, also from USC.
He married Norma Jean Rogers on January 9, 1949. They were married for 63 years, having four children and living for most of that time in San Bernardino, CA.
Don raised his family in San Bernardino, where he worked for the San Bernardino County Government for 28 years. He was a probation officer as well as a jury commissioner and court administrator. After his retirement in 1979, Don became a private investigator for 10 years.
Don and Jean moved to Bend in 1994 to be closer to family and grandchildren. They loved to travel, and often took long trips both overseas as well as camping trips in the Western U.S. Don developed a strong interest in cowboy poetry, and spent long hours memorizing and reciting poems at gatherings and events in Central Oregon and Southern California. Don was a member of Kiwanis International for 38 years in both California and Oregon. He was also an avid sports fan and followed both the University of Oregon as well as the Seattle Mariners.
Don is survived by his wife, Jean; his sister, Mary Curtis of Highland, CA; and his children, Dennis of Bend and Donna (husband, Gary) of Orange, CA. Don is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Graham, Keith and Molly Powrie; Jesse and Cameron Crowell; Gabriel and Benjamin Ruelas. Don was preceded in death by his infant son, Gary and his oldest daughter, Diane.
Memorial contributions may be made to either Grandma's House, P.O. Box 6372, Bend, OR, 97708, or to Kiwanis of Bend. Please sign our guest book at www.niswonger-reynolds.com.
Don Crowell