George Don Crowden

George Don Crowden, 84, of Fort Smith died on October 18, 2020. He was a retired Baptist minister, a Marine Corps veteran, and a member of East side Baptist Church. Funeral will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on October 20, 2020, at East side Baptist Church, with burial to follow at Fort Smith National Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Viewing will be Monday from 10 AM – 7 PM at Edwards Funeral Home. The family will be present from 5-7 PM.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Ina Ruth (Shipley), three sons, George Michael and his wife, Lisa, of Fort Smith; Randal Don and his wife Tammy, of Arvada, Colo.; and David Dewitt and his wife Karen, of Fort Smith, as well as grandchildren Jerad, Josiah (Amanda), Sarah (Angel), Benjamin (Ashlee), Andrew (Erica), Elya (Eric), and Maya; 15 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is the founder of Cavalry Baptist Church in Oxford, Miss. During his ministry, Rev. Crowden also served as pastor of churches in Hannah and Henryetta, Okla., as well as Trinity Baptist Church in Fort Smith. Born in Spadra, Ark., he was the orphaned son of William Don and Leona Crowden. He was raised by his grandparents, George Houston and Julia Crowden. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Billy and Lee; two sisters, Lola and Fay; and one grandchild Kyle.

Memorials may be sent to: East side Baptist Church, 2710 Massard Rd., Fort Smith, AR 72903, or to the charity of your choice.