John David Crow

John David Crow, 79, of College Station passed away after a short illness on Wednesday, June 17, 2015. A public celebration commemorating his life will be held at 2pm, on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 in Reed Arena.

John David Crow was born in Marion, La on July 8, 1935 to Harry David Crow and Velma Jenkins Crow. After graduating Springhill High School he married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Gilliam. He immediately came to College Station to attend Texas A&M where he enjoyed tremendous success, receiving multiple honors on and off the field. In 1957 he received the honor of winning the Heisman Trophy. After graduating from A&M he had a successful eleven year career in the NFL including four Pro Bowl selections.   Although truly honored, John David was most proud of his success off the field where he and Carolyn raised three wonderful children. In addition, he was actively involved in the lives of his seven grandchildren leaving a positive imprint on the lives. He was truly devoted to his family.

Preceding him in death are his parents and his son, John David Crow Jr.

John David Crow’s lasting legacy will continue on through his wife of more than sixty years, Carolyn Crow; his daughters Annalisa Stenklyft and husband Jay, Jeannie Pietrowiak and husband Ken, daughter in law Janice Crow; his grandchildren Christa Ketchum, Sarah Beth Eady, Tommy Perry, Anthony Stenklyft, David Stenklyft, Avery Pietrowiak, James Pietrowiak; his six great-grandchildren; his brother Raymond Crow; his sisters Doris Brown and Yvonne Stivers and husband Harley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Brazos Valley Hospice, Boys and Girls Club of Brazos Valley, or charity of your choice.

Condolences

  1. Dear Carolyn Annalisa and Jeannie
    No words can express our sadness upon hearing of John David’s passing. All of the Brodies send their prayers and loving thoughts to you all. We have such special memories and may your memories sustain you in the days ahead. With all our love. Sue and John

  2. When we lose a love one here on earth we gain a Angel in heaven that will be watching from above. He will be in many hearts at the football games and cheering from above. Remember the good times that he had here on earth.

  3. Dear Carolyn, Anna Lisa, Jeannie, and all your family,
    There are no words to express our sadness and sense of loss for all of you. John David was the kind of person that all of us would like to be. I (Jack) have known him for virtually my entire life, and always saw him as someone with tremendous talent and purpose, but also as a gentle and humble man as well. I will never forget the times that we all were able to spend together, and I’m so thankful for the great telephone conversations that he and I got to have. Please accept our most heart felt sympathy and sincere thoughts and prayers for this most difficult time.
    Much love, Jack and Kathy

  4. Carolyn and family,

    It was such a great honor to know John David. He was a wonderful asset in representing Texas A&M and he was an outstanding role model for the athletes and students. He will be missed by all Aggies and sports fans. Our sympathy goes out to you and the family and offer prayers at this difficult time.

    Joe & Judy Powell

  5. Dear Carolyn & family. We were so saddened to learn of your great loss. I went all through school with John David & of course attended all his high school football games & followed him through the years of college football & coaching. Marvin has always been a big fan. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you & pray that God will help you through this. Just remember that God is always with you. I know you have many good memories of your many years together.
    With Love & Prayers
    Barbara & Marvin Lee (nee Jenkins)

  6. To Aunt Carolyn, Annalisa, Jeannie & all the family,
    Our deepest sympathies to you all. Our hearts are breaking for you. We will always remember his strong ethics and moral compass. His deep religious beliefs, his laughter, generosity and love for people. He was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. But most of all, we will remember his love for you all and for his family. We pray Gods grace and knowing how much he loved you will sustain you in these most difficult days ahead. We are with you in spirit and will miss him everyday.
    We love you,
    Aunt Jeanne, Sherry and Alan Smith

  7. Carolyn, I remember meeting with John David on the campus of Texas A. & M. in 1956.
    He encouraged me to attend Texas A. & M. upon graduation and I tried but the University
    recommended I attend a Jr. College and re-apply. I never made it back to re-try but I will
    remember forever how kind and thoughtful John was…. I’m sure the time you
    had with him was very “Special” and I hurt with you during this difficult time in your life.
    My God Bless You and your family !

    Sincerely,

    Byron (and Lori) Hanson
    7511 Sunrise Ridge
    Loveland, CO 80538

  8. Prayers for peace and comfort for the family of John David Crow. He will be remembered by many for so much. Thanks for sharing him with so many for so long. I am happy to be among those who counted him as a friend. Peace.

  9. To Aunt Carolyn, Annalisa, Jeannie and all the rest of the family,

    We are so sorry for the loss of John David. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. He was an amazing man and it was an honor to know him. We will miss him dearly. May God bless you all.

    We love you,

    The Walker Family

    • Thank you I never really knew him I’m realated to him it’s very for his grand children , his wife and children truly sad

  10. To the Crow Family,
    I was a couple of years ahead of John David and recall his coming to Dorm 6 in the spring 1956 for tutoring. I spent my first career in the Air Force and second career at Blinn College (College Station and Bryan). We greatly appreciate his many contributions to Texas A&M, Aggie atheletics, and the College Station/Bryan communities. Our prayers are with your family. God bless.

  11. I didn’t know John David Crow but knew his brother, Raymond. I knew he loved his brother and how proud he was of him. Raymond was my history teacher and PE Coach at La Marque Jr High and I hope that Raymond is doing well. My condolences to him and his family. Kirk Wilson

  12. I didn’t know John David Crow but I was born in Springhill . I knew he put Sringhill on the map when he won the Hiesman Trophy in 1957. I can remember the parade through main street in Springhill even though I was in the second grade this celebration brought blacks and whites together.May God Bless his family.

  13. John David crow is my moms uncle and also realated to him I’m sad he passed away it suckes I never got to met him

  14. –Just want to let family of John David Crow know that Kerr County Aggies, at Muster last night,
    proudly answered “Here!” at Roll Call, for him.

  15. –Just want to let family of John David Crow know that Kerr County Aggies, at Muster last night,
    proudly answered “Here!” at Roll Call, for him. He’s a legend, and a friend they’ll always
    remember.

  16. My mentor. My boss. My friend. He taught.me everything that i know about coaching men and dealing with asst. Coaches. He was and will alwYs be my hero. Thank you for being John David.

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