CROWE, Harry Leslie, Jr., age 92, of Bellbrook, passed away Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at Hospice of Dayton, surrounded by his loved ones.

Harry graduated from Roosevelt High School in Dayton, Class of ‘51. Upon graduating High School, he joined the United States Navy and honorably served our country as a corpsman. He was proud to be part of the bombardments and landing at Incheon with General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, a turning point in the Korean War in September of 1950. He was very opinionated and set in his ways, but one thing was sure: he was a born leader, not a follower. After 32 years of service, he retired as the shift supervisor from the Printing Service Company in Dayton. He has been a faithful and loyal member of the Bellbrook Presbyterian Church for the last 11 years and served as a ruling elder. Before the Presbyterian Church, he was a member of the Bellbrook Community Church, which he helped build. He was very proud to be the first Police Chief in Bellbrook. He was also a member of the Beavercreek Fire and Rescue and Beavercreek Police Division. In addition, he was a member of the Sugarcreek and Bellbrook Fire Department. He was the Past President of the Lions Club in Bellbrook and recorded the highest ticket sales during the Lions Club Festival. He was also a life member of the Kettering American Legion Post 598.

Harry loved the outdoors. He was an avid golfer and a regular at the Sugar Valley Golf Club and Greenwood Country Club. Fishing was another one of his favorite hobbies. He enjoyed traveling to Indian Lake to take some time off, rest, and see if he could catch anything on his fishing line. Being around the water was his happy place. When he was younger, he had a houseboat on Lake Cumberland, where he also enjoyed water skiing. He loved riding his motorcycle and doing stunts. He was a member of the Golden Glove Boxing Club in Dayton. Another hobby he appreciated was hunting, especially for deer or squirrels.

Even though Harry was very busy, he was a devoted family man. Family gatherings during the holidays were a big deal to him, and attending the family reunions was very important. He was very proud of his family and adored being a great-great-grandpa. He always cherished his dogs, especially Sparky, his beagle. Sparky was more than just a pet but a beloved companion. Among many things, he will be remembered for his sound advice and ever-steady presence, which always seemed to comfort you at just the right time.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Delphine, in 2002; son-in-law, Larry Hehmeyer; his parents, Harry and Velma Crowe Sr.; and his two sisters, Mary Lou Long and Betty Jean Elder. He is survived by his loving wife of 13 years, Pat; one son, Jim Crowe; two daughters, Renee Hehmeyer and Connie Crowe (Keith); one step-son, Todd (Mary) Gregg; one step-daughter, Cheryl (Mark) Fahrenholz; ten grandchildren, Allyn, Athena, Jay, Edward, Brad, Tiffany, Kevin, Daniel, Dana, and Jason; four step-grandchildren, Emily Gregg; Cameron, Ethan, and Rachel Fahrenholz; 26 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Jerry (Cathy) Crowe; and one sister, Brenda (Keith) Reule.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 AM Monday, March 11, at Bellbrook Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Bellbrook Cemetery. Rev. Diane Ziegler will be officiating the services. The family will receive friends from 10 - 11 AM on Monday, March 11, at the church. Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook is serving the family. If desired, contributions may be made to the Bellbrook Lions Club and the Presbyterian Church. Condolences at www.connerandkoch.com.