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Charles Leroy Crow, a lifetime resident of Eads, was born to George and Shirley Crow July 13, 1935.

During high school, he was active in athletics, and enjoyed cruising down Maine Street in his little yellow Chevy. After graduating from Eads High School, he attended Lamar Junior College to play basketball. After a year, he returned to Eads to marry Betty Kelley in 1954. Born to this union was Kim Crow (Richards), Tammy Crow, Charla Crow (Ferris), and David Crow.

One of Charles’ first jobs was working at Titan Missile Base building the 54 missile sites that were on alert across the United States from 1963 to 1987. He later returned to Eads to work in the family business, which involved laying natural gas pipeline and pouring concrete in a multitude of states. He worked in the family business for over 45 years.

In 1962, the family purchased the Plains Theatre, where movies were shown every night. It was a family venture, with Betty taking tickets, and the children learning early on how to handle money by selling popcorn for 10 cents.

Charles’ love of basketball continued through his children’s and grandchildren’s participation in the sport. He never missed a game of his children for over 16 years, and made sure they had what was needed, including a handmade basketball goal and a streetlight so that they could play late into the night. He made sure that the goal would stand the test of time, and the goal still stands to this day.

Charles loved restoring old cars alongside his son, David, and his two grandsons, Josh and Brison. He loved flying his airplane, which he purchased with his friend, Frank Frazee, though he sold it when his children got older and developed air sickness. At least one of the children got sick on every flight. He was an avid bowler, maintaining an average of over 200.

Later in life Charles, married Florris Oswald (Burns). Together, they restored a 1965 Ford Mustang and built their home from the ground up. They enjoyed fishing, boating, antiquing, and spending many hours at the lake with friends and family.

Charles spent his last two years at Prairie Pines Assisted Living Community, where he appreciated the care by the staff, and particularly Chief Executive Officer Tristin Sheridan, who he fondly called “The Doctor.”

Charles Leroy Crow passed away August 1, 2024, at age 89, after a short illness.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Florris Oswald (Burns); parents, George and Shirley Crow; son, David Crow; and sisters, Diane Crow (Pierce) and Linda Crow (Gardner).

He is survived his by children, Kim (Tom) Richards of Eads, Tammy Crow of Pueblo, and Charla Ferris (Dave Wall) of Kit Carson; and daughter-in-law, Janelle Crow of Eads. He is also survived by four step children, Donald Oswald of Haswell, Deborah (Glen) Davis of Haswell, Julie (Mark) Kelley of Arapahoe, and Linda Harper (Scott) of Great Bend, Kansas; 15 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; lifelong friend, Larry Gifford; and many other extended family and friends.

Funeral services honoring Charles’ wonderful life were held at the Eads Community Church August 6, 2024. Burial followed in the Eads Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Prairie Pines Assisted Living Community in Eads.

Arrangements were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.