Richard Allan Crown

Richard Allan Crown

(December, 28 1942 – March 8, 2020)

Richard was the son of Lillian (Bowie) Crown and Leslie Lee Crown (both deceased).  He was the beloved husband of Dorothy (Vernon) Crown.  He and Dorothy where life time sweethearts who met as teenagers in Potomac Heights.  Richard was always quick to boast of his and Dorothy’s 58-year marriage!  Richard was the proud father of Shelley (Bobby), Richard Jr., Andy (deceased) and Kirk.  Adoring PopPop (grandfather) to Nicholas (Amanda) Crown, Samantha (Steve) Rye, Lacey Diedrich, Katie (Shawn) Spurr, Bobbie Diedrich, and Nathan Crown and great grandfather to Gavin, Colin, Cameron, Lainey Rea, and Finn.  Richard shared many memories with and was much loved by his nephews, nieces, and sister-in-law (Marty).  

Richard was a burly man with the tenderest of hearts. A Momma’s boy and proud of it!  His sister, Norma Jean who he lost a few years back, held a special place in his heart; they remained close throughout their lives.  Richard had a beautiful voice, he, his mother (Lillian), and sister (Norma) would fill the day harmonizing beautiful ballads; the Old Rugged Cross being a family favorite.  As a young man, he was known about town as quite the talented roller skater and bicyclist (dazzling onlookers with his skill in riding a bike backwards).  

He loved to fish and would regularly take his young children on fishing expeditions to Morgantown and Mattawoman Creek, his preferred way to end a workday.  Richard could make or fix anything.  His family lovingly referred to some of these efforts as “crownized”.  Richard was a Chevrolet man and cherished his 1960 El Camino.  He insisted the El Camino would smoke Corky’s corvette…an ongoing 50+ year debate.  A Dale Earnhardt fan, Richard faithfully “watched the races”…a synonym in the Crown household for Dads napping.  Richard thoroughly enjoyed his weekly visits with his Amish friends.  He loved the water and enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, water skiing, and a cold brew.  

He won many a blue ribbon for his Jams and Jellies.  Didn’t quite take first on his bread, but that didn’t stop him from baking!  In fact, Richard baked “special” birthday cakes for everyone in his family.  His birthday cakes were not limited to his family, many of his friends would find their favorite cake or pie at their door on their birthday.  These cakes were a gift from his heart to those he loved.  He so enjoyed people and cooking that after retiring, he took up the role of Schmansky’s short order cook…you may have heard of their famous breakfast buffet.  

Richard loved to make people happy and had many many life-long friends; he made a new friend every day of his life!  People were drawn to his quick wit, infectious laugh, gentle heart, and endearing spirit.  He lived life to the fullest, perhaps because according to him he had been living on borrowed time for the last 40 years.  A true reflection of his indomitable spirit.  Richard, without a moment’s hesitation, would give a perfect stranger the shirt off his back seeking nothing in return for his kindness.  

As we take a moment to reflect and celebrate his life….Richard is today, tomorrow and forever his daughters’ hero, his sons’ best friend and the love of Dorothy’s life!  If the quality of a life lived well is measured by the number of laughs shared, life-long friendships, loved ones and tears shed, our Dad was the wealthiest of men; a truly good man…cherished by all who knew him.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, March 13, 2020 from 4-7 PM.  And again on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Bryans Road, Maryland from 10 AM until time of funeral service at 11 AM.

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