Earl Crowley

Earl “Lyn” Crowley, 92, Independence, MO passed away Nov. 30, 2013. Services will be 10:00 m, Wed., Dec. 4, at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St, Independence, MO 64055; interment at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Stanley, KS. Visitation will be 6-8 pm Tuesday at the Chapel. The family suggests contributions to the Independence Rotary Club, P.O Box 176, Independence, MO 64051. Lyn was born August 29, 1921 in a second floor apartment above the family bakery in Polo, MO to Leslie and Ella (Hauser) Crowley. He graduated from Polo High School and went on to William Jewell College where he received a degree in physics and mathematics. He enlisted in the Navy and served in the Pacific on an LSM ship landing Marines on the beaches of Iwo Jima. After the War he enrolled at the University of Missouri and earned another bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a master’s degree in Structural, Transportation and Mechanical Engineering. After graduation he worked for Black and Veatch in Kansas City. In 1952 he and two partners started an engineering company that grew in to Crowley, Wade, Milstead, Inc. of Independence. Lyn was an Independence civic leader as President of the Chamber of Commerce (1966), President of the Board of Directors for the Medical Center of Independence (17 yrs.), as well as, many other local boards and commissions. He was extremely proud of his association with Rotary Club of Independence. He joined in 1960 and had perfect attendance for the next 51 years. He threw himself in to his hobbies with extreme enthusiasm. They included growing extraordinary tomatoes, rock collecting and rock jewelry, making video presentations, ragtime music and golfing. Lyn leaves a family inspired by his lifelong contributions in all facets of life. He had a great marriage and is survived by Katherine (Allison) Crowley, his wife 64 years, son Bradd and wife Marilyn of Prairie Village, KS; son Mark and wife Susan and daughter Cathy, all of Independence, MO; as well as grandchildren Aryn, Colin, Adam, Lauren, Sheriden, Cailyn and Cara, and great grandchildren, Ella, Troy and Emmett.