Karl Louis Crowe, 1923 – 2006

Karl was one of 13 children and grew up on a farm in Finzel, Md. He was not given the privilege of attending a residential high school, thus after receiving his call to preach, he immediately enrolled in the American School of Education.

His pastor drowned while attempting to rescue a child who fell into the river at a church picnic.

As Karl had his local preacher’s license, the district superintendent asked him if he would assume the responsibility as pastor of the charge until conference. This he did, as well as continue his high school studies by correspondence. He was awarded a high school diploma in the spring of 1946.

He then went to Asbury College where he met the love of his life, Dorothy Gee, who became his wife on June 23, 1951, in Martinsville, Va., three weeks after they graduated.

While attending Westminster Seminary (Wesley), he pastored a five-point charge at Hedgesville, W.Va., and Davis Memorial, Cumberland, Md. (Baltimore Conference). Dottie kept busy teaching in a one-room school in Berkeley County, W.Va.

In 1956, Karl felt led to transfer to the Virginia Conference where they served the following churches: Goshen, Rockbridge Baths; Mt. Bethel, Martinsville; Schoolfield, Danville; St. Paul’s, Chesapeake; LeKies, Virginia Beach; Benn’s Church, Smithfield; Noland Memorial, Newport News; and Fairmount Park, Norfolk.

Being obedient to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), Karl went on two mission trips to Haiti and one to South America.

Karl will be remembered as a devoted husband for 541/2 years, dedicated preacher, loyal friend, and for his dry sense of humor.

He retired in 1991, but continued to fill in for ministers as needed; he became pastor emeritus of Greenville United Methodist Church in 2003.

He is survived by his wife, Dottie, five brothers and a sister.

His favorite Bible verse was: Proverbs 3:6:

  "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

— Dottie Crowe