Donald "D.C." Crowell

Donald L. “D.C.” Crowell, 82, of Johnston, Iowa, went to his Lord on July 11, 2018, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2018, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines at 12:00 p.m. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Friday evening from 5 to 7 p.m.

Don was born in Mt. Ayr, Iowa, on April 10, 1936, to Francis Roy and Nina Crowell. He graduated from Johnston High School. He excelled in all of his high school sports from football to basketball and track, achieving many postseason honors and earning thirteen letters in sports.

Don entered into military service in 1956. While in the service, he went to two tours at Aberdeen proving grounds and then went to the Army Depot in Germany. He also went to five Army Depots to rebuild maintenance centers, four Army Posts and six military training schools. Don retired in 1991 from the Army National Guard as a National Guard Civil Service Technician and as a 3W3 Warrant Officer after 35 years of service.

Don gave generously to disabled veterans.

Don married his loving wife, Esther Backstrom, September 3, 1976. After retirement, they wintered in Harlingen, TX for 25 years. He enjoyed life, spending time with family and friends, and being his joyful and witty self. Don also enjoyed sports, traveling, golfing, dancing, dog and horse racing, eating out, and working in his yard and around his home.

Those left to cherish Donald’s loving memory are his wife, Esther Crowell of Johnston; sisters, Joy (Daryl) Cummings of Des Moines, Ramona Ward, Dorothy Brooks, and Donella Lint all of Johnston; brother, John (Isabelle) Crowell of Urbandale; his daughter, Lisa Ann Crowell of Des Moines; five step-children, Anna Marie “Sheri” (Larry) Krpan of Clive, Vernon (Jody) Backstrom of Milo, Russell Backstrom, Becky Lynn Backstrom, and Rodney Backstrom all of Des Moines. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, other loving family, and special friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Nina and Francis Roy Crowell; brothers, Russell Crowell and Nathan Crowell.

Memorial contributions may be made to the VA Central Iowa Health Care System in Des Moines, Iowa.

Condolences may be expressed online at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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