Billy L. Crowder

Billy (Bill) L. Crowder, 84, of Topeka, entered into Heaven's Gates on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at his home. He was born August 7, 1927 in Attica, IN, the son of Virgil and Lorraine Timmons Crowder.

Bill was preceded in death, by his beloved wife Ramona; parents Lorraine and Virgil Crowder; and siblings: Donald, Bobbie, Charles, Larry and Thelma Dillman.

Survivors are his children, Cheryl Bozarth, Pamela (Henry) Montez and Bill Crowder II; sisters; June (Dean) Pyke and Rosemary (Ronald) Smith. Other survivors are his beloved Grandchildren: Ronald Bozarth Jr., Michelle Baldwin, Sarah (Jeremy) Palubinski and Allison (Travis) Morgan.
Great-Grandchildren: Erik Bozarth, Morgan Bozarth, Rebecca Lutz, Travis Bozarth, Chloe Davis, Bryleigh Bozarth, Annalies Bozarth, Camryn Baldwin, Dalton Morgan, Trenton Morgan and Brooklyn Palubinski. Bill also leaves behind; his sisters-in-law; Eva Ahland, Rev. June Cooper and Alice (Leon) Carpenter; as well as his precious nieces and nephews.

Bill and his wife, Ramona (Hobbs) Crowder got married (eloped) on October 28, 1947. Ramona was two weeks past her seventeenth birthday and Bill was a mere nineteen. Faith was the foundation of their marriage and they raised their children to love the Lord. Together they shared their "Golden Anniversary" on October 28, 1997. Ramona left the arms of her beloved husband on March 25, 1998. Bill attended Topeka First Assembly of God Church.

Bill served in the Navy during WWII; his duties took him to China, Japan and many US Ports including Hawaii. His work career began at age twelve; there are too many to mention but while in Topeka, he was employed by Dolly Madison Cake Company and the Kitty Clover and Guy s Potato Chip Companies. While with Guy's, Bill was the district manager over four states, they included; Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska.

Many of his friends still referred to him as Dolly, Cupcake or Kitty, names he affectionately wore. His work ethics were beyond reproach.
Bill loved taking his children; nephews; also Butch or Gene on his delivery route. Each would help load the truck, carry the racks and sweep the floors; but the daily treats were worth their labor. Bill retired at age sixty-five; but quickly found his spare time being filled by working his "dream jobs". He worked alongside Cheryl, Billy and Ronnie, selling used cars: three generations!

Bill was a mentor to many people; he was always extended a helping hand or shared his life's experiences to enhance another person's. Bill's favorite past-time was watching KU Basketball; Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk!! He also enjoyed watching NASCAR, the KC Royals and the KC Chiefs. Bill's love of cars still had him tinkering on those in his garage.

Bill had a generous heart and always welcomed anyone into his home. Bill's best attribute was his sense of humor; always telling jokes and sharing funny stories to all he met. Bill never met a stranger and always made you feel at ease while in his presence. It was inevitable, no matter where Bill went, he saw someone he knew. Be it on top of "Seven-Falls, in Colorado" or the big city of "Chicago," he always took the time to visit with his friends.
Bill was his children's "Hoosier Daddy", but also loved the titles: Papa, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle Bill or "Grandpa Gum," because he always had candy and treats for his beloved great-grandchildren. Bill was a father figure to his nieces, nephews and friends alike, he personally knew the importance of a "Father's" role, because he lost his own father at the age of twelve.
Every night, Bill would bring home a present for Cheryl, Pam and Billy. It might be a pack of gum, candy bar, bag of chips or any other item he would choose; but he always brought a "token of his love." After his children left home, his beloved wife became the recipient of his daily gifts. Most days, he would bring her coffee, a donut and the morning newspaper, while she still lay in bed. This daily gift of giving continued until the day she died. His family's loss is immense; he will never be forgotten. Bill and Ramona loved to dance and they literally, "cut a rug" any time they could. Many times they would roll up the carpet in their tiny house; put on a Glenn Miller record and dance the night away. Cheryl and Pam would patiently await their turns to dance with "Daddy," by standing on his feet. Imagine if you will; as you read this: that Bill and Ramona are in one another's arms; "dancing in heaven."

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Burial will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Bill will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66608.