William Michael Crow

William Michael (Mike) Crow, 60, of South Haven, died on Friday, August 17, 2012. He was born on August 17, 1952 in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of Bill and Clara Crow. Mike was proud to serve in the army as a MP on the Demilitarized Zone during the Vietnam conflict. His early years were lived in the South Haven area. He spent several years in Kalamazoo where he worked and attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Mike earned a 4th degree black belt in karate and won many trophies in competition. Mike was honored to be a part of the Okinawan Karate Academy under Sensei Thompson. Mike at one time taught a karate class to children in Plainwell. Early in the Blues era, while living in Kalamazoo, Mike was known as “Big Bird” and sang the blues with a friend’s band. He was also affectionately known as “Uncle Big Bird” by his younger nieces and nephews. Mike later moved to Florida where he worked in construction until he returned to Michigan to be near family and friends. “Bird” had many stories to tell after all his adventures including helping with the rebuild after Hurricane Andrew. Mike was one of a kind and a free spirit who was loved by many especially by his “Brother” (Mag) Chris Craft. Mike liked all animal life and took great joy in caring for his Babies (cats), Beasley and Blackie.
He is preceded in death by his dad – Bill; his grandparents – Glenn and Eula Robbins, and George and Helen Crow.
Mike is survived by his mom – Clara; a sister – Cathy (Joe) Underwood of South Haven; a brother – Glenn (Brenda) Crow of Kalamazoo; nieces and nephews– Cathy (Adam Pyle), Haley, Chloe, Tyler and Shawn; Kari (Chris) Woodall, Karlie and Christopher; Kristy (Matt) Jenks, Macy and Rylan all of South Haven; and Bekka Crow of Kalamazoo; Jake Crow of Kalamazoo; one aunt – Jeanette Crow of South Haven; several cousins and one special cousin, Helen Sharp all of South Haven. Mike will take his final ride to Fort Custer National Cemetery. The run will begin at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home at 11:00 AM and will end at Fort Custer for burial services at 2:30 PM on Thursday August 30th. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guestbook at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.
The family is being served by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home, 637-0333.