Homer Robert Crowder
Homer Robert Crowder, 92, South Whitley, died at 5:20 p.m. Sunday, July 3, 2016, at Peabody Home in North Manchester where he had been a resident since June 2014.
He was born Dec. 25, 1923 in Tad, W.V., a son of Robert Thomas and Julia Rebecca (Abston) Crowder. His formative years were spent in Tad and he attended Dupont High School in Charleston, W.V.
On March 22, 1943 he was inducted into the United States Army, serving during World War II. He was honorably discharged June 23, 1945.
On Aug. 21, 1953 he was united in marriage to Loraine H. Sheley. They made their home in Ligonier and from 1970 until 1972 in Peru. They then moved to their home in South Whitley.
Homer drove a bus for ABC and Trailways and was chief engineer at Duke Hospital in Peru from 1970 to 1972 and later McCray Hospital in Kendallville. An electrical and mechanical contractor, in 1978 he owned and operated Commercial Electric in South Whitley for over 15 years.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Loraine; five children: Robert Crowder and Wayne “Tom” Crowder, both of South Whitley; Diane L. (Dan) Jones of Brownsburg; Robert Rose of Cleveland Ga.; and Rhoda (Adrian) Poston of Maryland; 12 grandchildren; three step grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; two great grandsons; and a sister, Opal Newman of Charleston W.V.
His was preceded in death by a grandson; a brother, Grover Crowder and six infant siblings.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 9 at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery with military honors presented. The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Riley Children’s Hospital.