Donald Greer Crews

Donald Greer Crews, EMCS, USN, Ret., passed away peacefully at home July 5, 2011, following a courageous battle with lung cancer. A loving husband, father and grandfather, he was a fine example of a man, sailor and proud American. Born in Sarasota, Florida, he grew up on the remote island of Siesta Key, Florida, where he spent his childhood riding horses and playing on the shores one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1957.

He married Karen Janice Lesher in 1966 and the couple soon moved to Norfolk, VA. In 1967, his first child and only son, Donald Greer Crews, Jr. was born. In 1972, daughter, Michelle Leanne Crews arrived and the family moved to Jacksonville Beach when she was three years old.

He retired from Naval Station Mayport in 1977. At the culmination of his Naval career, he continued to work as an electrical designer for CDI Marine until his retirement at age 64. Donald and Karen enjoyed traveling and spending time in Key West and other vacation destinations. To his grandchildren, he was known as Pepaw and Poppa and regardless of his health, he took extreme pleasure in playing with and watching them grow. He was a sports enthusiast and was a season ticket holder to both the Jacksonville Bulls and the Jaguars.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 45 years, Karen; son and daughter-in-law, Greer and Jennifer Crews; daughter and son-in-law, Shelley and Dallas Mooney; and grandchildren Daniel Mooney, Katie, Kimberly, and Kelsey Crews; and step-grandchildren, Bella Calloni and Austin Mooney. He was preceded in death and is now reunited with his parents, Greer and Bea Crews and his beloved dog, Emily.

A celebration of Donald’s life, with full military honors, will be held 2pm Sunday, July 10th, in the chapel of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to: The United States Navy Memorial Foundation at: http://www.navymemorial.org/Donate/tabid/73/Default.aspx or American Lung Association in Florida at: http://www.lungusa.org/donate/memorial-honor-gifts/.