Druid Lohr Crotts

Druid L. Crotts, 93, died Monday, October 6, 2025, at home from complications of congestive heart and kidney failure. He was in the loving care of his family and Franciscan Hospice of Pierce County. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Sara Craig Crotts, who passed away in January 2023.

He leaves behind his two daughters, Connie C. Sowa; Sandra C. Servine and husband Frank, grandchildren Michael and Katy, and two great-grandchildren, and brother-in-law John F. Craig, III. All are residents in the Yelm-Lacey area of Washington state.

Druid graduated from Davis Townsend High School in Davison County, North Carolina, and earned his B.S. in Industrial Arts and Education at NC State University in 1954. Despite being the second youngest of 11 siblings, Dru was a natural leader, serving as President of the Athletic Association and Class President in 1950 at Davis Townsend. While at NC State, his leadership continued when he was chosen to represent his fellow dormitory students on the Inter-Dormitory Council. He achieved advanced ROTC status, was inducted into the national military honor society Scabbard & Blade, and graduated as a 1st Lt. He married shortly after graduation, and while waiting for orders to active-duty service, taught Industrial and Machine Arts in Brunswick, Georgia.

After active-duty service, Dru transitioned to civil service at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, serving as QM Repair Officer and Salvage Engineer. He joined the Army Reserves in 1957, retiring as Lt. Colonel. In the mid-1960s, he was transferred to Fort MacPherson with a promotion to the Maintenance Division. Throughout his career, Dru received numerous citations for his outstanding leadership skills and quality of work, which caught the attention of his superiors and led to an opportunity as the Director of the Joint Maintenance Division at Fort Lewis/McChord Air Force Base in Washington state until his retirement in 1989.

Dru’s favorite hobbies included deer and pheasant hunting, traveling across the country in their RV, woodworking, and basket weaving. During his daughters’ formative years, he coached their softball teams and taught them the simple pleasures of hiking and camping. Family life was very important to Dru. Game night with the family became a cherished tradition that lasted into Dru and Sara’s golden years, with cards being their favorite way to enjoy friendly competition.

A private family graveside service will be held at Mills and Mills Tumwater. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dru’s name to your local chapter of the American Heart Association, or Meals on Wheels through Senior Services for South Sound (https://www.southsoundseniors.org/?form=give).