Joan Crowell

Joan Benton Crowell passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025, in the Menard Manor, Menard, TX. She was born on February 2, 1932, to William Floyd and Nettie Myrtle McKenna Benton in Hext, TX. She was the youngest of seven siblings.  Joan attended many one room schools in Menard County before graduating from Menard High School in 1948 at the age of 16. She immediately went to work with her sisters, Peggy, and Norma at the law office of Perry Hartgraves.

She married in 1950 and in 1957 had one son, Damon Vance Sorrell who preceded her in death in 1984.

She had several jobs in Menard before she ended up working for the Federal Government at the ASCS office in Menard, TX. She started as a clerk but was soon promoted to manager which was highly unusual for a woman at that time. She held this position until her retirement in 1990.

In 1963 she married Mickey Crowell. They lived on a small ranch just outside of Menard, TX until his death in 2010.

Joan’s favorite pastime was playing Duplicate Bridge. She and her sisters, Peggy Decker and Norma Murray started playing Bridge in the mid 60’s and traveled all over the world to play in tournaments in which they often won. They were professionals and were known as “The Sisters” throughout the Bridge World. They were all directors, and she and Norma went on several cruises as directors of the Duplicate Bridge competition.

She loved to travel. She and Norma were world travelers. They traveled abroad many times visiting places such as Italy, Rome, London, and Paris. They also went to Greece, Jerusalem, and Turkey to name a few. They barely got home from one trip before they were planning the next one. She loved road trips as well and she and her niece, Danese Murray and her sister, Norma traveled may miles all over the United States and Canada.

Joan was always busy. She was an excellent cook and was “famous” for her homemade bread and dinner rolls. She loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherwoman. She did all her own yard work. She was a lifetime member of the Methodist Church and served on many committees and volunteered for years as the church secretary. She was a long-time member of the Menard Country Club and was always cooking and hosting events. She loved country music and dancing and attended the Ruidoso Cowboy Symposium for years.

The family would like to thank the Menard Manor for the excellent care Joan received while residing there. And many, many thanks to Hospice of San Angelo for their concern and care of Joan during her last days. Thank you!! Thank you!!!

Joan is preceded in death by her son Vance Sorrell, her husband, Mickey Crowell, her brothers and their wives, Jack andEdith Benton, Lawrence and Edna Benton, Ray and Mozelle Benton, Vance and Joy Fae Benton, and Jim Bob and LaVerne Benton. As well as her sisters, Peggy and husband, Denis Decker and Norma and husband, Daniel Murray. She is survived by three loving generations of nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at Rest Haven Cemetery in Menard, TX at 10am on Friday, May 30, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Hospice of San Angelo or Menard Volunteer Fire Department or charity of your choice.

Services with integrity, pride, and honor are under the direction of Kimble Funeral Home. (325) 446-3076