John Robert Crowder

John Robert Crowder, age 65, passed away on December 11, 2025. He was born on August 13, 1960, in Joplin, Missouri. Over the years, John lived in Joplin and St. Joseph, Missouri; Manhattan, Kansas; Cottage Grove, Minnesota; and Houston, Texas—spending 50 years in Texas. Texas, above all, held a special place in his heart. He was the son of Jimmie Scott Crowder Jr. and Mary Crowder. John is survived by his first son, Chris Crowder; and by his younger son, Jimmie Scott Crowder III, who is married to Olivia Crowder. John was a proud grandfather to Jimmie “Scottie” Crowder IV and Avery Crowder. He is also survived by his siblings Lauree, Kim, and Jeff Crowder, as well as Melissa and Jamie Testa. John worked as a salesman in the flooring industry for 37 years, a career he approached with grit, dedication, and pride. He often spoke fondly of his time at Color Interiors, where he was mentored by Wally Kaiser, who preceded him in death. Most recently, John worked at Excellence in Flooring, where he was proud to be part of a team he spoke very highly of. Earlier in life, John also worked at Jim’s Coffee Shop and as a line cook at Champs, where he formed a lasting friendship with Will Rankin. John lived life fully and unapologetically. He perfected the art of rolling his own cigarettes and preferred his whiskey cheap and Canadian. His passions included gardening, breeding freshwater cichlids, surf and deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of America with his close friend Calvin Plank, who preceded him in death, and driving his grandkids around on the golf cart—memories that will live on for years to come. Music was always part of John’s world, and he had a deep appreciation for red dirt country, classic rock, and the blues. Whatever John committed himself to, he went all in—never halfway and never without conviction. Over the past two decades, John became increasingly passionate and outspoken about politics. He followed political events closely and took great pride in his support of President Donald J. Trump. John never shied away from expressing his beliefs and found genuine satisfaction in spirited debate in person or online. John will be remembered for his strong opinions, sharp wit, unwavering convictions, and the unmistakable presence he brought into every room. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, and memories that will not soon be forgotten.

John Robert Crowder

August 13, 1960 - December 11, 2025