Obituary of Richard Lee Crowel

Richard "Dick" Lee Crowel, 63, of Eau Clair, Michigan, lost his long fought battle with pancreatic cancer at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana on Thursday, May 10, 2012. Dick was born on October 20, 1948 to the late Robert E. and Theda (Hampton) Crowel in South Bend. He was one of four children. After high school Dick wed Cathy Crowel, together they had six children. Though Dick and Cathy divorced they always remained close friends. Dick was a truck driver all of his life, he frequently told people "I have driven more miles backwards than you will ever drive forwards." He loved to fish and spend time outdoors, especially if he could bring his guitar along and sing a song. Dick will always be remembered by his friends and family for his caring heart, love for his family and ability to always have a joke to tell. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Barb Miltenberger. Dick is survived by his sons Tony (Debra) Crowel of Michigan City, Indiana, Jeffrey (Toni) Crowel) of Niles and Michael (Ruby) Crowel of Three Oaks, Michigan, daughters Michele (Dale) Hekter of Michigan City, Bobbie (Mike Thompson) Crowel of Mishawaka and Brandi (Ron) Farlie of Michigan City, 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren with one on the way, sisters Patricia White of Baytown, Texas and Karen Crowel of San Antonio and girlfriend Terrie Gulbranson of Eau Clair. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel in Niles at Noon. with Pastor Robert Genes officiating. Memorial donations may be made in Dick's memory to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation at 3962 South Delaware Street; Englewood, Colorado 80110.