Garnett "Don" Donnelly Crowe

Don was born on September 12, 1940, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and was raised in The Masonic Home in Louisville, Kentucky. He and his two sisters had fond memories of growing up in the home, and Don visited cousins during the summers. After graduation, Don joined the US Navy. He proudly served his country in the US Navy for 20 years. He retired as an E6, Chief Petty Officer in 1979. After retiring, he returned to civilian life to live with his family in Clayton, North Carolina.

In civilian life, Don worked at Cutter (currently Grifols) Laboratories, as a plumber in and around Clayton, and spent about 15 years employed by NC Department of Corrections.

In his second retirement, Don enjoyed collecting, buying, and organizing a variety of collector cards, he was a die-hard-Dale Earnhardt race car fan, and enjoyed reading mystery and western books. More recently, he and LaRue volunteered with Meals and Wheels in Johnston County by delivering meals.

Don is survived by his life-long friend and wife, LaRue Jones Crowe of 56 years; two children, Jon (Angela) Crowe, Faitha (Colin) Batten, and 6 grandchildren; Jonathan (Nicole) Crowe, Conner Crowe, Autumn Crowe, Caroline Batten and Griffin Batten; brother-in-law David (Lois) Jones, sister-in-law Madelyn (Wayne) Pulley; nieces, nephews, cousins, special neighbors, and special pets Maggie May and Black Cat.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 2:00pm at Pinecrest Memorial Park with the family receiving friends from 12:30 until 1:30 at McLaurin Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Johnston County Meals on Wheels at 1363 Market Street, Smithfield, 27577, or Transitions Life Care, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.