Stephen Lattimer Crowder

Stephen Lattimer Crowder, 83, of Hickory, NC, passed away on February 13, 2016 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory. Born October 23, 1932 in Wake County, NC, he was the son of late Willie Clyde Crowder and Bessie Lake Keith Crowder.

Stephen served in the U.S. Air Force and fought during the Korean War. He began his police career with the Hickory Police Department and later retired as Police Chief from the Darien Police Department in GA. He loved going on fishing trips that always brought him back to Darien but most of all, he loved life and his family. Stephen was a generous soul and will be missed by all.

In addition to his parents, Stephen was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Carolyn Crowder; brother, Clyde Brooks; and an infant sister.

He is survived by a son, Timothy R. Crowder and wife, Jean Marie of Hickory; daughters, Terri Crowder of TN and Cynthia Cooler of Savannah, GA; brother, Jesse A. Crowder and wife, Eula of Hickory; sister-in-law, Lillian of Knightdale, NC; grandchildren, Christopher Crowder, Lauren E. Steinjan, Robert O. Steinjan, III, Kimberly Nowell, Taylor Cooler and T.J. Padgett; and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service, with military rites, will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 19, 2016 in the Chapel of Drum Funeral Home in Hickory with Pastor Jay Robison officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.