Keith Kenneth Crowley

Keith Kenneth Crowley passed away November 1, 2019, at Celeste Care, Assisted Living, Horseshoe Bay, Texas, with his family by his side.

Keith was born May 16, 1926, in Des Moines, Iowa, the eldest of 5 children born to George and Lucy (Nabor) Crowley. As a child, his family moved to Waterloo, Iowa, where he attended public schools. At age 17, Keith deferred high school graduation to answer the call of his country and enlisted in the United States Navy in support of World War II. He served as a Seaman Second Class aboard the troop transport ship, the USS General Leroy Eltinge. After the war with an honorable discharge, Keith graduated from West High School with the class of 1947. He went on to join the Waterloo Fire Department, establishing a distinguished career working his way up to Captain. He retired after 32 years of dedicated service. Off duty, he drove truck, tilled gardens, and worked for the Soil Conservation Service of Iowa, retiring after 25 years.

Keith married Rosemary Irene Thompson on February 18, 1947, at St. Mary’s Church in Waterloo. Together they had 3 children. They were married until her death on August 16, 1995. On November 6, 2002, Keith married Marie Thome. They remained together until Marie’s death on July 24, 2008.

Keith is survived by his 3 children: Patricia Schoellen (Thomas), Gilbertville, Iowa, Michael (Judith), Burnet, Texas, and Craig (Paula), Ankeny, Iowa; 9 grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren. Keith is also survived by his sisters, Bonnie Wilberding and Mavorette Dettmer, and a brother, Malvern Crowley. His sister, Marvel Schmidt, preceded him in death.

He was quite the handyman with a never-ending list of projects to improve his family’s home. He enjoyed tending to his acreage and his ponies. He had been active in the Moose Lodge and the American Legion. His favorite vacation spots were Branson, Missouri, the Ozarks, Gulfport, Mississippi, and Pine Lake, Iowa. Keith was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.