Edward Norwood Crowder

Edward Norwood Crowder, 85, of Salem, Va., went to be with his Lord on Sunday, August 29, 2010, at his home while surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Roanoke and lived in Salem and Waynesboro, Va., where he retired as a truck driver for Roadway Express and then returned to reside in Salem. He served in the United States Navy during World War II and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Area Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Area Medal. Upon discharge from the Navy, he returned to Salem where he met the love of his life, his wife of 62 years, Betty Jean Carter Crowder. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lewis Crowder and Lucy Frances Zell; three brothers, William, Kenneth, and Eugene Crowder; a special brother-inlaw, Jack Carter; and a precious grandson, Joshua Crowder. Surviving to cherish his memory along with his wife is a brother, Leo Crowder and wife, Marge, of Maryland; special brother-in-law, Dennis Alan Carter and fiancée, Anne Thomason, of Salem; daughter, Mary Painter and husband, Johnnie, of Waynesboro; three sons, Tommy Crowder and wife, Connie, of Salem, Larry Crowder and wife, Deidre, of Roanoke, and Mark Crowder and wife, Mary, of Salem; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. A special thanks goes out to the medical staff at Lewis-Gale Medical Center, the staff at the Blue Ridge Cancer Center, and the Medi-Home Healthcare workers. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 31, 2010, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A Graveside Service will be held 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 1, 2010, at Sherwood Memorial Park with the Rev. Wally Mayo officiating. Online condolences to the family may be made at johnmoakey.com. The Crowder family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, Va., 540-389-5441.