Kenneth Ray Crowder, 84, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at his home in Richardson, Texas with his wife Mary by his side. Kenneth was born on July 1, 1938 in De Queen, Arkansas to Orval Kenneth Crowder and Lois Lemley Crowder.
At the age of 11, Ken began taking art classes where he enjoyed drawing and watercolor painting. Ken attended Fair Park High School, graduating in 1956, where he continued his passion for art. His designs for stage sets were accepted for most of the festivals, proms, and musical productions. Ken edited the sports section in his high school paper, ran track, and played a string base in the orchestra, where he met his wife, Mary. After high school, Ken attended Louisiana Tech and studied commercial art graduating in 1960 with his Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1961, Ken served in the United States Air Force Reserves where he served as a Medical Helper.
In 1962, Ken worked as the Advertising and Sales Promotion Manager for Sears. For 24 years, he managed the Dallas-Ft. Worth Group. Ken later became the Retail Marketing and Promotions Manager for Sherwin Williams for the next 15 years.
After retirement, Ken enjoyed spending quality time with his four grandchildren, enjoyed fishing, and perfecting his watercolor paintings.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Weaver Crowder, daughters Tanya Crowder Boisfontaine (Curt) and Rebecca Crowder Fay, grandchildren, Austin Adams Warrick, Natalie Nicole Warrick and Carena Elizabeth Fay, sister-in-law Sharon Crowder and many nieces and nephews.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents Orval K. Crowder and Lois Lemley Crowder, brother, Orval A. Crowder and grandson, Airman Christopher Harrison Fay.
