CROWELL, Donald "Rex" - b. September 4, 1943 - d. December 22, 2020

[patyrn]

Donald "Rex" Crowell passed away peacefully at the age of 77 surrounded by his loving family on December 22, 2020.  Rex was born September 4, 1943, the son of Charles and Anna Crowell.

Rex attended Longton High School in Longton, Kansas.  After he graduated from high school in 1961, he attended Independence Community College in Independence, Kansas and Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, Kansas where he received his Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1965.  After graduation, Rex lived in California while working for Southwestern Bell.

Rex went on to serve his country as a First Lieutenant for the United States Army in the Vietnam War.  He was critically injured in the line of duty in Vietnam as an Assistant Battalion Advisor, 1st Battalion, 46th Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam where he fought bravely in multiple battles against the enemy.  His valor in battle on November 11, 1967 against enemy forces in Can Douc, Vietnam earned Rex the Silver Star and the Bronze Star.  His gallantry in action saved countless lives when being overrun by enemy which ultimately forced the enemy to retreat from their position.  Rex was awarded the Purple Heart for being critically injured in combat.  His other citations include National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

His time spent in Vietnam sparked a love of languages in Rex and an appreciation of seeing the world.  After recovering from his injuries, Rex traveled and learned several languages.  While he enjoyed traveling, his heart and home were always in Longton, Kansas.  After returning home, Rex held public office as  Representative for the State of Kansas from 1975 to 1994.  During this time, he was appointed Chairman of the Transportation Committee and served on the Kansas Turnpike Authority Board for 12 years.  While making a difference in the legislature, Rex also found time to receive his Law Degree from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas.

Rex raised his family in Longton, Kansas where he was a rancher, attorney, school psychologist, and school board member.  Next to spending quality time with his daughters and grandchildren, Rex enjoyed spending his free time working at his family farm where he grew up.  Rex did many things throughout his lifetime, but what he was most proud of was being a loving father and grandfather.

Rex will be forever remembered by his five daughters from his marriage to Nancy Brogan Crowell:  Shanda (Eric) Ortega of Kansas City, Missouri, Sara (Matthew) Smith of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ashley (Tom) Gilkey of Destin, Florida, Erin (Ryan) Scott of Elkhart, Kansas, and Natalie Crowell of Wichita, Kansas.  He will also be lovingly remembered by his 11 grandchildren, Isabela Ortega, Mila Oretaga, Charlotte Smith, Elizabeth Gilkey, Thomas Gilkey IV, Emily Gilkey, Stafford Gilkey, Brogan Scott, Liam Scott, Ashlyn Scott, and Finnegan Scott; his sister, Beverly (Norman) Baker; and his sisters-in-law, Jean Crowell and Sharon Crowell.   He will also be fondly remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.   Rex was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Charles "Sandy" Crowell Jr., Frank Crowell, Caryl Crowell, Kathryn "Kathy" Lozano, and James "Jimmy" Crowell.

A celebration of Rex's life will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. in Longton, Kansas at the United Methodist Church.  Immediately following, there will be a graveside service at Longton Cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas.  For those who cannot attend, a video will be available online at www.countrysidefh.com following the service.  A memorial has been set up for the Disabled American Veterans and can be mailed to or left with Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349 which has been entrusted with arrangements.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)