Donald Greer Crews
1938 - 2011
Donald Greer Crews
1938 - 2011
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1938
DIED
2011
Donald Crews Obituary
He married Karen Janice Lesher in 1966 and the couple soon moved to Norfolk, VA. In 1967, his first child and only son, Donald Greer Crews, Jr. was born. In 1972, daughter, Michelle Leanne Crews arrived and the family moved to Jacksonville Beach when she was three years old.
He retired from Naval Station Mayport in 1977. At the culmination of his Naval career, he continued to work as an electrical designer for CDI Marine until his retirement at age 64. Donald and Karen enjoyed traveling and spending time in Key West and other vacation destinations. To his grandchildren, he was known as Pepaw and Poppa and regardless of his health, he took extreme pleasure in playing with and watching them grow. He was a sports enthusiast and was a season ticket holder to both the Jacksonville Bulls and the Jaguars.
Survivors include his devoted wife of 45 years, Karen; son and daughter-in-law, Greer and Jennifer Crews; daughter and son-in-law, Shelley and Dallas Mooney; and grandchildren Daniel Mooney, Katie, Kimberly, and Kelsey Crews; and step-grandchildren, Bella Calloni and Austin Mooney. He was preceded in death and is now reunited with his parents, Greer and Bea Crews and his beloved dog, Emily.
A celebration of Donald's life, with full military honors, will be held 2pm Sunday, July 10th, in the chapel of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to: The United States Navy Memorial Foundation at: http://www.navymemorial.org/Donate/tabid/73/Default.aspx or American Lung Association in Florida at: http://www.lungusa.org/donate/memorial-honor-gifts/.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 14, 2011
Mrs. Crews and Mrs. Mooney,
I just wanted to take a moment to let you both know that we conducted the Burial at Sea for Senior Chief yesterday and it couldn't have been a more beautiful day at sea. The crew and I are very honored that we could take part in such a meaningful ceremony to recognize your husband, father and our shipmate. I've included a couple pictures that were taken just prior to Senior's committal to the sea. You will receive pictures from the entire ceremony once we return to home port, but I didn't want you to have to wait. If there is anything I can do to help you in the future please don't hesitate to contact me. Once again, my condolences to you and your family and thank you for the service and sacrifices you have made for our great nation. God Bless.
Very Respectfully,
Command Master Chief
CMDCM(SW/AW/NAC) J. R. TOCORZIC
COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
USS JOHN L. HALL (FFG 32)
October 14, 2011
Mrs. Crews,
I can't tell you what an honor it is for our crew to perform your husband's Burial at Sea. Please rest assured in the fact that our crew takes these ceremonies very seriously and the significance is not lost on any of us. As a fellow member of the Navy's Chief Petty Officer's Mess, I hold a very special place in my heart for past Chief, Senior Chief and Master Chief Petty Officers that have forged the way for the men and women of today's Navy. Even though I was only 6 years old when Senior Chief Crews retired in 1977; I can tell you that the hard work and dedication he and Chief Petty Officers like him provided is still evident today in everything that we do. I'm a firm believer you cannot press forward into the future without having a sincere understanding of your past. I will personally be on deck to wish Senior Crews "Fair Winds and Following Seas" one last time. I am very grateful for your husband's service to this great nation and our Navy. Please accept my condolences and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless,
Command Master Chief Tocorzic
Mark, Michelle & Haley Evans
July 16, 2011
Donald, we are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
With our love,
Patti Murphy Beems
July 15, 2011
So sorry to hear about Don's passing. My mother and I worked with him at CDI, many good times, My thought and prayers are with your family
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Daryl Cole
July 13, 2011
I am so sorry for you loss. I wish I had known. I would have come to be with you. I know what you are going through all to well. My prayers are with your entire family. All my love,
Barry & Sara Newsome
July 9, 2011
In the short time we have known the Crews Family, we have grown to enjoy being with all of you and seeing the love you have for your loved ones. Rest in peace now Don....Sara & Barry Newsome
Christine & Bernice Niles
July 9, 2011
Greer and Jennifer,
We are very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
jeanine richmond
July 9, 2011
Shelley, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! I ask that God keep all of you in His protection and care!! With love, Jeanine (Riker) Richmond
July 9, 2011
Jennifer and Greer,
So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
Kerri Landress
Ron Homme
July 9, 2011
my Condolences to the Crew's family...both my dad (Lewis Homme) and i worked with Don at CDI, he was a great and kind man....say hi to my Dad for me Don and god bless!
Pam Chaffin
July 8, 2011
Mrs. Crews:
I'm deeply saddened by your loss. You are in my prayers...especially the ones you taught me in religion class. :)
-With deepest sympathy,
Pam Chaffin
Sherry Sutherland-Lazoff
July 8, 2011
Dad,
Thank you for being such a kind and loving man. You have set the best example for how to be a loving Father, Husband and Grandfather. Thank you for loving all the rest of your "kids" too! We will miss you, and strive till the day we leave to join you to follow your example.
Love Always,
Eric, Sherry, Casy, and Seamus (your gift to us!)
Kate Nieman
July 8, 2011
Karen and Shelly, we are so sorry for your loss. If there is anything you need, please let us know. Love to you both. Kate, Geoff, Alex and Alyssa
July 8, 2011
Mrs. Crews, may your pain and loss be tempered by the knowledge that he is once again happy and healthy. You two are and will always be a testament to family and true love. You continue to be in my prayers. May you be at peace, and may he be in Heaven smiling down on you. Love, ColetteMarie Wassmuth
Mary Beach
July 8, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! Much Love!!
Shelley Mooney (Crews)
July 7, 2011
Dad,
There are no words to express how much I love and miss you. You have always been and will always be my hero. You were my model of what a man, father, and husband should be and gave Dallas some very big shoes to fill. Thank you for being such a great Dad to me and Pepaw to Daniel!! He will always have wonderful memories of you (and Boney Maroney) and told me yesterday that you will always be with him and he can feel you in his heart. Love you FOREVER & ALWAYS,
Me :) PW
David Merrill
July 7, 2011
Karen, Greer and Shelley,
God bless you and your extended family during your time of grief, prayer and reflection. My prayers and thoughts are with you in the these days to follow. As you know Karen, you have a special place in my heart, and I will be keeping you and yours in my prayers for the coming days. May God bring your shipmate, father and friend into his light and hold him safe till we meet again in His presence.
All my best,
Dave Merrill
July 7, 2011
RIP Sailor and thank you for your service.
Michele Castleman
July 7, 2011
Michelle and Family, I am sorry for your loss. My heart hurts for you. I hope you find comfort and peace knowing he is in a better place.
Randy and Jerri Lloyd
July 7, 2011
Shelley and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a great guy and always a pleasure to be around. He will be missed. Hearing you talk about him you knew he was well loved. Love Randy and Jerri
Sharon Sutherland
July 6, 2011
Shelley, Mom and Family,
We are so saddened by your loss. Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with you, and please know if you need anything we are here.
Love Always, Sharon, Tabi & Anna
Claudette Huerta
July 6, 2011
Dear Michelle and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You have been heavy on my mind and in my prayers. Your friends, family, and faith will help carry you through this difficult time. Wish I could be there.
Vicki Vacchelli
July 6, 2011
Shelley and Family - my deepest sympathies and thoughts are with you. Dad is smiling down on you now.
Chuck & Paula Thomas
July 6, 2011
Greer & Jennifer - we are so sorry. Thoughts & prayers with you. He will always be in your hearts.
July 6, 2011
I will miss Don. We worked together at CDI and San Diego. God be with you my friend and best to your family.
Phil Hammond
Kathy Maloney
July 6, 2011
Karen and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You have been so blessed for 45 years. It just breaks my heart that this happened. We miss you very much at BEAM.
July 6, 2011
Karen & Family,
We were so saddened to hear about Don's passing. He was one of the good guys. We enjoyed working with him at CDI and keeping in touch by e-mails after his leaving CDI.
Our thoughts & prayers and hearts go out to all of you at this time.
Doc & cindy
Hope Kleinfeld
July 6, 2011
Shelly - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. May the loving memories of your father bring you comfort.
July 6, 2011
Dad-
I love you and will miss you always. Thank you loving my daughters and giving them a wonderful Daddy and giving me a wonderful husband.
Jennifer
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1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
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