J.C. came to Texas from North Central Arkansas in a covered wagon when he was just three years old. His dad was following brothers who had arrived in Kaufman County a short time before. He grew up in Van Zandt County, graduating from Mabank High School in 1943. He married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Hyde, on June 17, 1944, in the Elm Grove Community. He was drafted into the United States Army and entered boot camp at Fort Sam Houston in January 1945; he served in the Philippines during World War II. J.C. received several awards during his service time in the Army.
He was employed in Dallas by Southwestern Bell Telephone, which became AT&T, and then Lucent Technologies. He retired after 35 years to live in Van Zandt County once again.
A quiet, easy-going man, J.C. built his current home in the 70's and aptly named it "the Gopher Ranch" for the pesky critters that lived there. He was a jack of all trades and enjoyed gardening, woodworking, repairing things, carpentry, and fishing. He was very active in the First United Methodist Church of Mabank, until about 10 years ago. He did some of the woodwork and carpentry at FUMC and for the Elm Grove Church. J.C. built the prayer rail and pulpit for FUMC and the kids' train that is used for Lord’s Acre festivities each year. He was an amazing father, grandfather and brother. Jewel will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
J.C. was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dorothy Crow, son-in-law David C. Broyles, sister Willie Mae and brothers: John Henry Crow, Edward Crow and C.V. Crow.
He is survived by his son Bill Crow and wife Jan of Mabank; daughter Peggy Broyles of Mabank; granddaughters Jana Dennie and husband James of Mabank and Sheri Merrill and husband Gregg of Grand Prairie; sister Bennie Barber of Edgewood; sisters-in-law, Janie Crow of Mabank and Olga Crow of China Springs, four great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and one on the way, numerous beloved nieces and nephews, other loving family members and many more lifelong friends.
