Claude Early Crowe

Claude E. Crowe Claude Early Crowe, 73, of Salem, passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2011. He was born in Roanoke County, a son of the late Thomas Early Crowe and Mary Thomas Crowe and had been an area resident all of his life. A member of Westside Church of Christ, he was employed at Magic City Ford for 17 years and retired as a machinist with Mechanical Development following 29 years of service. He enjoyed Bluegrass music, aircraft, photography and Ford automobiles, and especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Claude Duane Crowe, 4 brothers, Roy M. Crowe, Sr., Charlie Pat Crowe, Bill Crowe, Elmer Crowe, a nephew, Tommy Crowe and a brother-in-law, Roy Skip Stump, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Wood Crowe; a daughter, Barbara and Jeff Foley; a special niece Courtney Pugh; special cousin, James C. Brown; three brothers, George T. Crowe; Kermit C. Crowe and his wife Sue; Clifford P. Crowe and his wife Sherry; two sisters, Laura Stump Jones and her husband Les; Margie G. Wildblood and her husband Robert; sister-in-law, Gwen Crowe; special friends, Dave Hall, W.J.Wood and Clarence Spradlin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11AM, Saturday, April 9, 2011 at the Chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. Eddie Gilpin will officiate. Burial will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park with graveside military honors being afforded by members of the Virginia Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8PM, Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Westside Church of Christ, 1705 Starview Dr. Salem, VA 24153. The family would like to thank the Oncology Department of Lewis Gale, Dr. Karri and the medical staff, 6th floor of Lewis Gale for their loving and outstanding care of Claude during his illness. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com. John M. Oakey & Son, Salem, 389-5441 is in charge of arrangements.