Thomas Parker Crowder

Thomas Parker Crowder, 91, of Elkhart, died early Thursday morning, January 3, 2012, at his home. He was born December 15, 1921 in Newport to William and Mary (Parker) Crowder. He married Dorothy Greenawalt in March 1952 in Winchester, Virginia. She preceded him in death in May 2007. He is survived by two brothers, Charles (Rosie) Crowder of Tuscola, Illinois and Kenneth (Betty) Crowder of South Bend; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and three siblings, Leo Crowder, Martha "Pat" Oswald and David Crowder. He worked many years as a tool and die maker in the Elkhart area, retiring from Johnson Tool and Die. He served with the Civilian Conservation Corps before enlisting in the US Marines. He served four years during World War II and three years during the Korean War. He loved boating and with his captain's license would hire out to people needing a captain for their boats. He also had his pilot's license and enjoyed flying. His body will be cremated and a graveside service will be conducted in the spring at Sugar Grove Cemetery, Goshen.