William Richard Crowder

William Richard Crowder was born in Kansas City, MO. October 7,1938 to Harvey and Susie Crowder. He received his formal education in the St. Louis Public School District and graduated

from Sumner High School where he was a gymnast. He was a proud alumni of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri receiving his BA where he was part of the Omega Psi Phi

Fraternity and ROTC.  He completed his Master’s degree from Central Missouri State.  After graduation he accepted a teaching position at the Greenwood Elementary School as a 6th grade

teacher where he met a Kindergarten Teacher, “Ann “which is where the love story began. Throughout his 35-year career with the Kansas City school district he was a Teacher, Counselor,

Instructional Assistant, Vice Principal and ultimately retiring as the Principal of the Blenheim Elementary School. November 27, 1965, he married his lovely bride, Laura Ann Dickerson from

which this union blossomed 3 beautiful daughters. He accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized at the Samaritan Methodist Church and became a proud member of the Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist

Church where he served the Lord faithfully for over 54 years.   During his time, he served in many different capacities; Usher Board President, Financial Secretary, Vacation Bible School

Coordinator, Deacon and lastly a Sunday School Teacher which he loved the most.   In his free time, he loved chauffeuring his lovely Laura Ann to see their family or to their midafternoon

dates. Richard was known to throw a strike or two as he was an awesome bowler. Mr. Crowders’ “giant” presence will be missed by many throughout the community and city as he has

touched so many lives with such a little physical appearance. He was welcomed by his heavenly father, parents Harvey & Susie Crowder, stepmother Georgia Crowder and brother Robert

Otis Crowder on April 30, 2020. Leaving to cherish his precious memories: his beloved wife of 54 years, Laura Ann; Daughters, LaTonya Rice, Nicole Dougherty, LaWanda Crowder (MO);

Special Mothers, Mozelle Jacobs and Cora Meredith (MO); Aunt, Naomi Cole (MO); Brother, Harvey (Barbara) Crowder (CA); Sister, June (Elson) Williams (MO); Sisters, Murdeen

Martin, Nell Osborne, Mary Beasley (Ellison) (KS), Rosezetter Williams (OK), Inez Dickerson (TX). Adopted son Bishop Richard Prim; Grandsons, Devon Dougherty (TX), Antonio (Tony)

Higgins, Montae Spiller, Richard (Ricky) Spiller, DeVante Rice, Dell Rice, all the Kansas City area. 5 Great grandchildren and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, relatives, and a loving

church family.

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