He graduated from Chamblee High School, Chamblee, GA in 1959 after setting school records in track and basketball and later went on to graduate from Baylor University in 1963 with a music degree in Theory and Composition. After earning a Baylor Law degree in 1966 he entered the US Marine Corps. He worked in the Judge Advocate General Corps for his active duty years, serving in Vietnam and in the Middle East during the Yom Kippur War, before continuing on in the Reserves for a total of 20 years.
He was certified as a Military Judge for Special Courts - martial in 1969. His duty stations included Quantico, Naval War College, San Diego Recruit Depot, Naval Air Station - Seattle, Headquarters USMC/Washington D.C., U of Virginia - Charlottesville, Va., Camp Pendleton - Jacksonville, North Carolina, and Parris Island - Beaufort, South Carolina. He retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel. Upon arrival in Conroe he joined the firm of John Martin, Bruce Larson, and Jimmie Price and later joined the Darden, Fowler and Creighton Law Firm. Initially he practiced family law and later specialized in criminal law. He would later become known for his role in capital murder cases and appeals, including one that reached the Supreme Court. He was honored by the Secretary of the Navy and the Commandant of the Marine Corps for defending one of the Marines accused of murder in the 1977 Goat Herder Case. He practiced law for over 60 years. In addition to his presence in the courtroom, Jerald Crow was a volunteer fireman with the North Montgomery County Fire Station for 20 years and was instrumental in bringing the 911 emergency system to Montgomery County. Even after all these accomplishments, his most beloved role was that of “Colonel” to his precious grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Crow of Conroe, TX; daughter, Carrie Crow Coker and husband Connan of Tyler, TX; grandchildren, May, Annan and Creed Coker of Tyler, TX; brother Roger Crow and wife Ann of Cumming, GA; sister Carol Crow Schemmel and husband Paul of Fort Lauderdale, FL; brother Michael Crow and wife Laine of Lawrenceville, GA; and nine nieces and nephews.
Jerald Crow spent his life helping others.
A celebration of life for Jerald will be held Monday, April 29, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Metcalf Funeral Directors, 1801 E White Oak Terrace, Conroe, Texas 77304.
