Robert L. Crowder

Robert Crowder Abbreviated Obituary

Robert L. Crowder, 101, of Covert, Michigan, passed away Monday, February 23, 2015 at “A Place to Remember” Adult Care Facility in Davison, Michigan.

A memorial service will take place Friday, February 27^th at 3:00pm at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home in South Haven, Michigan.

Robert L. Crowder was born February 4^th, 1914 in Jefferson County, Alabama to Bevie and William Crowder.  He had 6 siblings – Edna, Williesteen, Milton, Lester, Warren and William. He was the second eldest.

At an early age, he was instructed and encouraged to get the highest education possible.  His father worked at the Tennessee Coal and Iron Company and through this employment, Mr. Crowder was able to attend Wenonah High School.  At the age of 12, he obtained his first job as a delivery man for a drug store. 

Robert Crowder participated in the civil rights movement before it was called the “civil rights movement”. He was instrumental in assisting civil rights workers with living quarters when they would come to a particular town for protests.  He persuaded and negotiated with homeowners to rent protesters a room in cities like Mobile, Selma and New Orleans where finding a room was difficult.  

In the early fifties, Robert Crowder went to trade school to become a general contractor.  He was successful in passing his courses and became licensed in 4 states as a general contractor.  He worked on the construction of the Sears Tower and the Prudential building in Chicago. 

While in Chicago Mr. Crowder was the night-shift Facilities Maintenance Foreman for the University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics.  Working the nightshift allowed him to continue to his work as a general contractor during the day. He retired from University of Chicago Hospital and Clinics in the late seventies.

In 1962, through a grant from the University of Chicago, Robert Crowder had the unique opportunity to travel to Africa to teach farming techniques in Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria and Ethiopia.  While aboard, he traveled throughout Africa and Europe.

Until his illness, he maintained a garden at his local senior center as well as at his home in Covert, Michigan. 

Mr. Robert Crowder was blessed with one child, Tanya Latimer, 4 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, all who adored him greatly.

Robert spent a lot of time in Flint, Michigan with his daughter and extended family members.  While in Flint, he regularly attended Quinn Chapel AME Church. 

Robert’s hobbies include farming, the study of alternative medicine, reading and geography.  He encourages family and friends to “listen to your body, don’t abuse it and use it wisely.”