Dennis "Denny" Crowder

Dennis Ray Williams Crowder, 69, Topeka, KS, passed away unexpectedly at his home, on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Denny was born July 2, 1955, in Topeka; the son of Shirley G. Williams Crowder and John E. “Raymond” Crowder. He would have been 70 years old on his birthday this year. Denny graduated from Highland Park High School in 1973. After graduation, he started working for his grandparents at Capitol City Plumbing in Topeka. That is where his career in plumbing began. Over the Christmas holidays of 1994, Denny and Rox Ann Artzer met once again in Topeka, where they knew each other years before when Denny and she lived in Topeka. In 1995, Denny moved with Rox Ann to Virginia (Washington, D.C. area), where he continued working as a plumber and she worked for the federal government. On July 1, 2005, Denny and RoxAnn returned to their hometown of Topeka to get married; however, they continued to live in Virginia. They have celebrated being together as a couple for thirty years total, with July 1st marking their 20th anniversary of marriage. Rox Ann retired in 2010, after which Denny and she moved back to Topeka. Denny retired in 2021 but continued to work part time moving cars for Carlson I-70 Auto Auction in Topeka. Survivors include his wife, Rox Ann; a son by a previous marriage, Nicholas (Whitney) Crowder, Columbus, Indiana; grandsons, William and Nicholas Crowder; sisters, Monica (Rusty) Newell of Topeka, and Mary (Doug) Jacobsma, of Doon, Iowa; brother, Kirk (Roger) Crowder, Amsterdam; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Shirley and John, brother, Joe Crowder, and grandparents, Laura and Gaylord Hogle. Some of Denny’s favorite times he immensely enjoyed were fishing with his son and grandsons and going to the county fair with them when he went for a visit. Denny’s biggest passion was bowling, something that he and Rox Ann enjoyed together. Denny started bowling as a child and continued in his adult years, participating in many leagues, in Kansas and Virginia. Denny enjoyed participating in numerous bowling tournaments, both locally and nationwide. Every year they bowled in the USBC Open Nationals Championship tournament, usually held in Reno or Las Vegas, Nevada. Denny enjoyed going to Chicago to bowl the Petersen Classic. His bowling accomplishments include 700 (713) series, in 2024, and took first place twice in the Topeka USBC Bowling Association’s Open Championship tournaments in 2013 and 2017, for which he was awarded his two jackets. And he was enormously proud that he picked up the “Big Four” split (4-6-7-10). (Rex Haney, you still owe him that patch!) Only a bowler would know the importance of Rosary will be prayed at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where visitation will follow until 7 p.m. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2025, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Denny enjoyed life and always had a smile on his face. He loved being around family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, sent in care of the funeral home, due to Denny’s love of the many dogs he had throughout his life (Beverly, Barney, Pebbles, Charlie, Carlos, Maddie, Phoebe and Baxter). Online condolences may be sent to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com

Dennis "Denny" Crowder

July 2, 1955 - February 22, 2025