Clarence Crow Jr, beloved husband, father, brother and friend, went home to Jesus on January 6, 2024.  He was 85 years old.

My dad Clarence was born to Clarence and Edna Crow in 1938 in Mead, Washington.  He was the second eldest son of the family.  Dad's childhood memories were full of his time spent with his brothers Carl, John, Bob, Jim and Marion, and sister Joyce.  He told us of school and early job experiences,  animals on the childhood farm, food his mother would make, games he would play, playing the trombone, and sports he loved (basketball and softball).  A favorite memory was the crystal radio set he built when he was in high school, which he said  fascinated him, and started a lifelong interest in electronics and media. Dad got involved in ham radio and loved to talk about his conversations with people from far off places. Dad finished high school and one quarter at Northwest Nazarene College, but never stopped learning throughout his life.

Dad had an unwavering faith in God, that grew through childhood and remained throughout his life. He was scrupulously honest and lived determined to avoid common vices. He was an active member of the Nazarene church, participating in singing groups, choir, and sound system support on a regular basis. He loved to sing in various groups and quartets, visiting other churches and venues to share God's truth and encouragement in song. He was beloved for his velvety bass voice, his humor and his 'smile'!  

Dad met my mom, his wife Linda, in 1959 at First Church of the Nazarene in Yakima, and she remained the love of his life for all of their 62 years of marriage. After a brief but eventful stint in Seattle during the World Fair of 1961 and years spent in Pasadena, California, Dad and Mom lived for most of their life together in Yakima, Washington. Dad and Mom had two children, Sean and I (Melissa), and six grandchildren.

Dad loved to go to his children's various musical events, including Sean's concerts and band events and my dancing events. Later in life, he took up square dancing with Mom, and enjoyed dancing with the Gateswinger’s club in Moxee, Washington. In the past six years, he has taken pleasure in watching his grandchildren learning to square dance, as well as swing and ballroom dance.  After Dad hung up his square dance shoes, he still had fun dancing with us in the kitchen, when the occasion called for it.

God gave Dad the gift of music, and we benefitted daily from that gift. Dad started playing the harmonica again in the last year and was surprised how he could still just play all different songs he thought of. Dad sang at home with us, often. A normal morning would find Dad and Mom singing hymns after breakfast, and we loved to join in. Even in the last days of his life, Dad still sang whenever he could, and the last songs he sang with us were His Eye is on the Sparrow, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Just a Little Talk with Jesus, and Oh, How I Love Jesus. When I asked him what songs he wanted, he said “anything about Jesus”.  

Dad was good at everything he turned his hand to! He held a variety of jobs and did them all well and with integrity. He did a stint in the reserves/National Guard, early on in his marriage. He helped to build onto several homes, and could figure out how to make most things, the last being the chicken coop he built with his grandson when he was 75. He worked for Overhead Door in Yakima for many years, and would always point out doors he had installed, as we drove here or there in the state. Dad started a media duplication and production business, Crowtape Duplication, and was owner/manager from around 1986 until he retired many years later. Dad, Linda and their children, as well as several friends and family members, worked at various times for the company.

Dad was also a renowned local fastpitch softball pitcher, playing for many years for minor softball leagues. Many family memories were made at the local softball fields at Larson Park, as well as in other parts of the state. Dad's knuckleball was legendary, as was his quiet demeanor and peaceable - and sometimes quietly amused - attitude. He told of how he would turn his back on the pitcher's mound, at the start of the game, and pray not that he would win, but that God would help him to do his very best. The difference is an important one, and Dad knew it. He had integrity and there was no dishonesty or deception in him - he wouldn't even pray for an advantage. This won't surprise anyone who knew him well.

Dad died a natural death at home, cared for by the family who had lived and loved with him in the last years of his life. We mourn, but we rejoice that Jesus is our Redeemer, and that Dad trusted in Him and is now singing praises to God in heaven. Dad is with all those beloved family and friends who have gone before.

Dad is survived by his wife Linda, his children and grandchildren, and his brothers John, Jim and Marion.

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