Robert Lance Crews

Dr. Robert Lance Crews, DVM, of Temple, Texas, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 21, 2026, leaving behind a life marked by service, dedication, curiosity, and a deep commitment to animals, his community, and the people he loved.

Visitation will be held at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home, 3110 Airport Rd, Temple, TX 76504, US, on September 24, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home, 3110 Airport Rd, Temple, TX 76504, US, on September 25, 2026, from 10:00 am.

A Committal Service will be held at Pawnee Cemetery, 15257 TX-72, Kenedy, TX 78119, US, on September 25, 2026, from 4:00 pm.

Born in Pawnee, Texas, Lance was the son of Jesse Carroll Crews and Lenora Annabelle (Hoff) Crews. He was a proud graduate of Pawnee High School and continued his education at Texas A&I University in Kingsville before attending Texas A&M College Station. He graduated from Texas A&M College in 1963 and earned his degree in Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University in 1964.

Lance’s professional life was devoted to veterinary medicine and the care of animals. He was the owner of Animal Medical Care, where he worked alongside his longtime partner and friend, Dr. Allen Koonsen. His commitment to the veterinary profession extended well beyond his practice. He served as the attending veterinarian at the Scott & White Animal Research Facility in Temple, where he helped ensure the safety and humane treatment of the animals. He was also a member of the Animal Service Advisory Board for the City of Temple and was a strong advocate for the animals at the Temple Animal Shelter.

His dedication to animals and to the future of veterinary medicine led him to become a founding member and past president of the Greater Temple Belton Foundation for Animal Care. He was a passionate supporter of the Bell County Youth Fair and took particular interest in encouraging Central Texas young people who hoped to pursue careers in veterinary medicine or animal health.

Lance believed strongly in serving his community. He served on the Temple Independent School District Board of Trustees and as its president. He was a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Temple, where he served as Service Chair and was recognized multiple times as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a member of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

His sense of duty extended to his country as well. Lance served in the United States Army from January 5, 1965, through January 7, 1967, attaining the rank of Captain.

A man of many interests, Lance was an avid farmer and rancher and a devoted Texas A&M fan. He was a voracious reader and history buff, a love of learning that was instilled in him by his mother. He enjoyed hunting, traveling, and adventure and possessed a remarkable talent for making knives. His creative interests included painting, taxidermy, photography, writing, and gardening. He approached life with an active mind and an enduring curiosity, always interested in learning, creating, exploring, and helping others.

Lance attended Meadow Oaks Baptist Church and First Baptist Church, both in Temple.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lyda Lynn Aycock; his parents, Jesse Carroll Crews and Lenora Annabelle Hoff Crews; and his brothers, Duane Crews and Linton Crews.

He is survived by his daughter, Suzanna Ross of Victoria; his sons, Ross Crews and wife, Lorraine, of Rogers, and Clayton Crews and wife, Missie, of Belton; his sister, Iris Rodgers and husband, Lane Rodgers, of Victoria; six grandchildren, Nicole Ross, Candice Eixman, Elise Pittman, Casey Crews, Sloan Crews, and Connor Crews; and five great-grandchildren, Kaylee Mora, Emery Eixman, Jett Eixman, Ellison Eixman, and Hallie Pittman. He is also survived by his former spouses, Ann Cook, Linda Gregory, and Loretta Gowan.

Lance leaves behind a lasting legacy through the many animals he cared for, the young people he encouraged, the organizations he served, and the countless lives he touched through his profession and community involvement. His dedication to veterinary medicine and his love for animals will continue to be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Lance’s memory to the Greater Temple Belton Foundation for Animal Care, 1604 West Avenue H, Temple, Texas 76504.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Allen Koonsen, John Downing, Jeff Kolbe, Greg Hall, Connor Crews, and Sloan Crews.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Benham, Don Hyden, and Don Bankston.