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Douglas Crowder Obituary
Virginia Beach - Dr. Douglas Mark Crowder, who was one of the foremost professors of voice, specializing in choral music, bel canto opera, and art song as well as the piano, in a career spanning three decades, passed away on June 15, 2013 at a hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He was 55.
The cause of death was abdominal cancer, said his brother Kenneth Crowder.
Mr. Crowder loved music from a young age, listening to the Beatles with his brother and to the classical records his mother would play. He began taking guitar lessons when he was 12, and started his career in singing in his church choir at Spurgeon Memorial Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia and in the Bayside High School Choir. He started piano studies at 17.
Mr. Crowder earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Westminster Choir College, a Master of Church Music degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice from Peabody Conservatory. Mr. Crowder sang with the Westminster Choir with Joseph Flummerfelt conducting at the Spoleto Festival in Spoleto, Italy; at Royal Albert Hall in London, England; and at Lincoln Center with Leonard Bernstein conducting.
He was a professor of Voice at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a professor of Voice and Piano at Mansfield University in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. Dr. Crowder also had a private voice and piano studio for many years. He spoke and sang in six languages. In the early 1980's he brought his talent, leadership and musical skills to Mendoza, Argentina as a music missionary and loved the people and their music and culture.
Dr. Crowder was a commanding and moving baritone singer of classical music, art song (lieder), bel canto opera, as well as Latin American songs and in recent years bluegrass and folk music and old time music. He brought a depth of emotion and content to both the melody and the lyrics as a soloist and choral member that are rare.
Dr. Crowder was also an avid fisherman. He loved nature, art, and literature.
He was recognized and admired as a scholar and a gentleman.
Mr. Crowder was the younger son of Mr. Norman E. Crowder and Mrs. Mary Eileen Jones Crowder. Survivors are his elder brother Kenneth E. Crowder, and three cousins and their families.
Services are pending at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Norfolk Chapel. Friends may offer condolences at www.smithandwilliamsnorfolk.com.
May He Rest In Peace.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Crowder
Mike Owney
March 18, 2024
So very sad to hear of Doug´s physical passing. My name is Mike and I had the pleasure of growing up with Doug and Ken as young adolescents along the shoes of Smith Lake . Still remember the smell of sweat ,mud , fish , worms and the tobacco juice your mom would put on yellow jacket stings . Had no idea of your ( Doug) great success in music, but I do remember your acoustic electric guitar. Thank you for enriching my life in the few years of innocence we enjoyed together. Ken , I know your faith is your strength . Your folks dragging me to church paid off . Love you
Marie Beasley/Kelly
April 16, 2014
Ken, contact me via my email @[email protected]
Marie Beasley/Kelly
April 16, 2014
Ken, so sorry to hear of your brother's passing. I only found out by looking for you online. I lost a brother too and know what is like. Prayers for you and all who loved Doug. Would love to hear from you!
James Scott
April 8, 2014
Doug was so gifted and had such phenomenal presence. One of the most natural church music virtuosos I have witnessed.
January 2, 2014
I just now heard that Doug had died. I'm very sorry for your loss. I remember Doug from Westminster Choir College, where we were fellow students and members of the Westminster Choir.
He was a gentle, kind young man, and a talented singer and artist, a fine singer of Lied and art song. The world is less for losing him. I'm so sorry.
Pamela Bristah
Westminster Choir College '78
July 4, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Doug. I remember him in my Sunday School class at Spurgeon Memorial Baptist Church. He was a talented man and dedicated Christian. My prayers are with you.
Mara Probert-Sanders
Kaye Allen
July 3, 2013
Dear Ken (& extended family), I am so sorry for your GREAT loss. When my brother Teddy passed away so many years ago you wrote a poem for me at
his funeral, it seems that some of what
you said about Teddy is appropriate regarding Doug's life and passing.
You compared life to a burning candle, burning brightly and then for a moment the flamed flickered and then it went out. And then the poem went on to say "who could say that we, though longer of life could ever achieve this that he had". I always appreciated that poem and your perspective at such a sad time. It helped me to see my brother's life/death as although short it was full and rich and meaningful. That is how I see Doug's life, so positive and sincere. You could not
know Doug and not be keenly aware of his love for God, his family and others. So many gifts he had and he made the most of each one! I love you and your family in a very special way for all of the special ways each of you have reached out to me and my family throughout our lives. I will pray God's peace for you (all). You did a good job in honoring your brother at such a difficult time (in your own life). God Bless you! Kaye (Clemons) Allen
Craig & Gale Weaver
June 29, 2013
Doug was a vocal coach and mentor to our daughter. He evolved into a family friend. He was a true gentleman and scholar whose mild manner and high expectations inspired many, as evidenced by the testimonials included herein. RIP Doug. You will be missed.
June 29, 2013
Kenny... we are so very sorry to hear of Doug's passing. We are also deeply moved to read the outpouring of love and remembrance of his gifts and talents. His depth of character and humanity are his legacy.
We feel privileged to have had the chance to meet & visit with him on more than one occasion.
Your neighbors
D & BD
Kirstin Hark, c/o Tull Financial Group
June 28, 2013
Blessings and comfort to you, Kenneth and your family during this time of grieving. You have honored Doug so beautifully through what you shared.
David Bucher
June 28, 2013
I knew Doug when he was baritone soloist at Brown Memorial Church in Baltimore. He was a student at the time and I enjoyed accompanying him on the organ and valued his friendship outside of the church.
My condolences to the family. I'm honored to have known him.
Dena Adams Clavier
June 27, 2013
Kenny, my mom, brother, Matt, and I were all so very sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of playing in your backyard, and especially in the fort. Thinking of you you during this time of loss.
Samuel Esterson
June 27, 2013
Dear Kenneth and family:
Though I never met you personally, Doug spoke of you often. I was privileged to be his physical therapist last year when he was sent to me by his doctor, complaining of back pain and weakness. We spent long sessions working on his pain and physical condition, having a good deal of time to talk about family, music, his travels, his keen ability to learn and master languages. He had a great ear and a wonderful and vivid memory. He would often enter the office and throw a perfectly correct comment in Hebrew to me that would floor me every time. His diction, accent and vocal tone was flawless. He spoke like a native. It was hilarious. We shared a lot of laughter which was helpful top him during his painful periods. More recently, I recall how much thought he put into deciding what Xmas gift to get you last year. He told me about the music discs and planned the logistics perfectly so that the gift would arrive on time. We shared a love of liturgical music and I was surprised that he was a member of a local temple choir on the Jewish High Holidays. He would sing those temple pieces and I would roar with amazement at his perfect cantillation of the prayers. In short, Doug was a man blessed with awesome talent, a true love of people, a wondrous gift of gab, and a zest for life. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to meet him, work with him, and be a small part of his life. May you and your family be comforted in knowing what an impact Doug had on me and my my staff. He will surely be missed. Deep sympathies to you all.
Dr. Samuel Esterson & staff
Esterson & Associates Physical Therapy
2 West Rolling Crossroads
Suite 102
Baltimore, Maryland 21228
www.EstersonTherapy.com
June 27, 2013
Doug was a friend of mine. We taught together in the music department at McDaniel College (formerly Western Maryland College) and continued to keep in touch over the years. I am really sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great, energetic guy.
Glenn Caldwell
From the Staff of Smith & Williams Funeral Home
June 27, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Terry Epperly-Wamsley
June 25, 2013
Ken, I was shocked to hear of Doug's passing. Doug and I were baptizied on he same day, something I will never forget. May God be with you during these times.
June 25, 2013
I remember Doug with great fondness during our years at Bayside High School in Virginia Beach VA and am shocked by his passing. My deepest sympathies to the Crowder family. Venetia Huffman, Currituck NC
Ross Whiting
June 25, 2013
My deepest condolences to Dr. Crowder's family. He mentored many and cared for more, teaching and leading by example. He will be missed, but his memory lives on in the positive actions of those he touched.
Jane Garriison Smith
June 25, 2013
My son, Bill Garrison, now deceased, went to Bayside Hi. with Doug and they were best friends. He was often in our home and we wwere very fond of him. Bill waas a Peabody grad and lived in Balt. too. He left a wife and 2 children. My sincere condolences. Jane
Melvin Williams
June 25, 2013
Although I didn't know Dr. Crowder very well, I remember him talking to my friends and I in the hallway at Mansfield. We knew he was a great vocal instructor, but he also always expressed interest in our guitar studies, and popular music, including jazz. I'll never forget his friendliness, and his willingness to talk to anyone, at any time. I'm very encouraged to know that he knew the Lord, and served Him well. May He rest in peace in the presence of God!
Sue Laib
June 25, 2013
Douglas--friend and colleague--wishing you peace. For some reason, I just remembered Steve talking you into singing Absalom, (Fili mi Absalom by Schutz?) on his trombone recital and in church. The worst thing is, he talked me into playing bassoon on it! It was back in your early years at Mansfield. We always had great respect for your artistry; and you and Steve were always chatting in Spanish ... You will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Paul Stephen Lawson
June 24, 2013
Dr. Doug Crowder was the closest I had to a functional older brother when I was in grade school as an only child. A gifted man who graciously and quietly carried others' burdens and unselfishly gave every bit of energy to make the world a better place. My wife and I last saw him a number of years ago when he was a professor at Mansfield College, where our friend Nancy Kepner? attends to study voice; he had departed Mansfield shortly before she began. Vaya con Dios, Doug.
Robb Whitmoyer
June 24, 2013
To the family and friends of Dr. Crowder,
I was sorry to read about Dr. Crowder's passing. He was the ultimate musician and a true Sinfonian.
Robert N. Whitmoyer
Governor, Province 21
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
Dai Fukasaku
June 24, 2013
Dr. Crowder was my voice teacher at Mansfield. Actually he was much more than a voice teacher to me: he taught me a life lesson of being professional all the time. I will never forget his enthusiasm, inspiration, and motivation. My prayers go out to his family, friends and students.
Derek Keifer
June 24, 2013
One of the biggest influences in my life, both as a voice teacher and friend. Very sad to hear this news and my best wishes go out to the Crowder family and all others impacted by this loss.
June 24, 2013
Even though I was not much of a singer, Dr. Crowder always encouraged me and helped when he could. He always had nice things to say towards me and my music and took a genuine interest in what I was doing. He was one of the best teachers at Mansfield and one that will be remembered.
Jonathan Jacoby
June 24, 2013
May he find peace in knowing he touched so many lives with his music and his teaching.
Lakeview Park neighbor (me/middle) 1969
John Baradell
June 24, 2013
Family picture Lakeview Park 1969
John Baradell
June 24, 2013
Doug was a very good friend in high school. We were friends before I made all state band when we were juniors, but that consolidated our deep interest in music. He was the consummate gentleman even as a teen--I remember that and his great love of God more than anything else. Though I haven't seen him since then, his news of his death is profoundly surprising. I have no doubt that he is at the right hand of God now. I am so sorry for your loss.
Chelsey Trostle (Russell)
June 24, 2013
To the Crowder family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of studying under Dr. Crowder for two years at Mansfield and he did so much to shape my voice! He always forced me to work harder than I thought I could, he accepted nothing better than your best and always believed you could accomplish great things. I always respected his love for music and his compassion, I am so thankful to have known him. My prayers are with you, God gained an amazing angel. May he rest in peace.
Ryan Howe
June 24, 2013
I studied voice with Dr. Crowder for 5 years. He made me into the singer/musician I am today, and taught me about beauty, scholarship, and friendship. I'd been meaning to catch up for over a year now... Kenneth, you have my deepest condolences. In my relations with him, he always spoke fondly of you. Doug- you will be remembered always. As a teacher, you lived your life giving to and inspiring others to the most professional, honorable standards. As a man, you were continuously invested in bettering yourself and broadening your horizons more than anyone I have ever known. As a friend, you had such a young, playful spirit, and the deepest compassion for others. I'll miss that grin, chief... Just knowing you, I know that your last years were filled with the most beautiful music, and, even though you weren't old at all, as the proud old Virginian you always were, I know your soul finds peace back in your native homeland. You will be missed so greatly, and never forgotten.
Ryan
Matthew Petrozelli
June 24, 2013
Dr. Crowder was my voice teacher at Mansfield University. He was a remarkable man. Taught me not just about voice, but also life lessons. Was sad to see him leave Mansfield so early. He will surely be missed. Goodbye Dr. Crowder, until we meet again.
Peggy Dettwiler
June 24, 2013
I was very sad to hear this news and have passed it on to Mansfield University faculty and students. Their responses on facebook are amazing. Douglas touched many people's lives through his music and teaching. My sincere sympathy to the family. Peggy Dettwiler, Director of Choral Activities, Mansfield University
Ashley Gresko
June 24, 2013
My thoughts are with your family at this very sad time. I was a student of Dr. Crowder's at Mansfield and learned so much from him. He was one of the most influential people in my career and one of the main reasons I became a choral director. I know there are hundreds of other students who mourn his loss, but remember him for the inspiration that he was.
Rebecca Schmaus
June 24, 2013
Dr. Crowder was one of the most inspiring people during my college career. I was not one of his studio students but through performances and other classes I learned a great deal from him. I have never and will never forget the confidence that he inspired within myself. His will be missed. My love and prayers go out to all his family and friends. Blessings, Love and Light.
June 24, 2013
My heart is so heavy today after reading this. Dr. crowder was my voice weather for 4 years at Mansfield and I owe him so much for my success as a voice teacher. He supported me through thick and thin, attended my wedding, and kept in touch with me. I cannot wrap my head around his passing. May he be singing with angels and rest in peace.
Maria Shaffer
June 24, 2013
Kenneth- I am deeply saddened by your loss. Dr. Crowder was and still is the best vocal professor I ever had. He was tough, demanding, and did not forgive laziness. He gave me the confidence I needed to be a singer, and our lessons were always fun and challenging.
Rebecca Pritchard
June 24, 2013
My condolences to you and your family. I was one of Dr. Crowder's students at Mansfield. He taught me a great deal about music, but also a great deal about life.
June 24, 2013
Our sympathy is with you and your family. You and your family meant so much to us for many years at Spurgeon Memorial Baptist Church and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Jean Elliott, Deborah Elliott Pinion, Pattie Elliott Matthews, Peggy Elliott Davy and Linda Elliott
June 24, 2013
Kenneth,
Our sympathy is with you and your family. You and your family meant so much to us for many years at Spurgeon Memorial Baptist Church and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Jean Elliott, Deborah Elliott Pinion, Pattie Elliott Matthews, Peggy Elliott Davy and Linda Elliott
Amanda Delbo
June 24, 2013
I studied music at Mansfield, and while I never worked with Dr. Crowder directly, I do remember that he went out of his way on more than one occasion to compliment the progress I was making. So sorry to hear about the loss of this wonderful musician and teacher. I'm sure he will be remembered by his students. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
malissa walter
June 23, 2013
Kenneth and family,my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. May God be with u through this rough time.
Wayne Parker
June 23, 2013
Sorry Ken to read of Doug's passing. Dot mentioned to me that he was sick.
Christina Delu-Bond
June 23, 2013
Ken, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with you in this difficult time. Tineke-
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