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Richard Lindsay Crowley
Richard Lindsay Crowley
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Richard was born April 7, 1949, in Des Moines to Neldon and Dorothy Crowley. A proud Army veteran, Richard served his country with honor and was stationed in Korea following high school. After returning home, fate led him to Allerton, Iowa, where he met the love of his life, Teresa Rector. The two were married and built a life full of love, raising three children together.
Richard worked at Des Moines Water Works for over 30 years, where he not only found a meaningful career but formed lifelong friendships. He was known for his generosity, his willingness to lend a hand, and for never being shy about sharing his opinion, often starting with his signature phrase, "What ya oughta do…"
A man of many passions, Richard was a dedicated reader, claiming (only half-jokingly) to have read more books than the Library of Congress. He was also a remarkable home cook, with dishes like his legendary potato salad and hearty vegetable beef soup rivaling the best chefs. He loved playing cribbage, cheering for his beloved Chicago Cubs (and was thrilled to see them win the World Series), and celebrating the rise of his Kansas City Chiefs.
He had a deep love for dogs and an even deeper love for his family. Richard was a devoted and generous father, and he adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His presence, humor, and warmth will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.
Left to cherish his memory are is his loving wife, Teresa; children: Kathleen Phipps, Jennifer (Dennis) Dodds, and Brian (Sarah) Crowley; grandchildren: Lindsay (JP) McKinney, Mark Phipps, Lauran (Nathan) Clark, Kenny (Saundra) Dodds, Teresa (Brian Machado) Dodds, Monica Crowley, Samantha (John) Kerr, Taylor Crowley, Charleigh Crowley, and Jordan Pitts; Great grandchildren: Louis McKinney, Margaret McKinney, Archer Clark, Sayla Crowley, Hudson Kerr, Harrison Kerr, and Nolan Dodds; siblings: Carol (Jerry) Parker, John Crowley, and Bob (Carol) Crowley; sisters in-law, Kay Crowley and Sherry Crowley; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, John Sheldon, brothers: James, Bill, and Steve Crowley; niece, Crystal Crowley; nephews Phil and Douglas Crowley; and a sister in-law, Barb Crowley.
Memorials in Richard's name can be made to Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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