Donald D. Crewse

Donald D. Crewse was born Feb. 26, 1938, in Huggins, the sixth child of Hobert and Dollie (Greenlee) Crewse. He entered the arms of Jesus on July 10, 2025, at the age of 87 years, 4 months, and 14 days. Donald grew up in the Graff community, and attended the Crewse School and Union Chapel Church. On Sep. 13, 1958, he met the love of his life, Darlene Magnuson, while meeting up with friends at the Number One Church in Huggins. It was a stormy night, with lots of rain and mud, but the two created an inseparable bond that night that lasted nearly 65 years. Donald and Darlene were married on Sep. 27, 1960, in Mountain Grove, in the home of Bus Postlewaite. They were always together, and their love for one another was evident to all who knew them. They were a pair in every sense, sharing their lives side by side. They truly exemplified for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, and in sickness and in health. Following their marriage, Donald entered the U.S. Army from 1960-1962 and remained in the Army Reserve until 1967. He was honorably discharged after seven years of courageous service to his country. After basic training, he was stationed in Louisiana, Greenland and Alaska during the Cold War. While in Alaska, he lived in isolated mountain barracks, which were caves carved into the terrain near missile sites. Before Donald got his auto body repair business started, he worked several jobs, including hauling wrecked cars from St. Louis for Jon Coddington’s salvage yard at Cabool and driving a cement truck for Peterson’s Redi-Mix in Mountain Grove. He also worked as a mechanic and auto body repairman for his brother-in-law, Art Raschko, who owned a shop located where McDonald’s now stands in Mountain Grove. It was there he learned the craft that would become his legacy. Donald and Darlene’s first home was a small trailer on Donald’s parents’ land in the Graff Community. The couple lived briefly in New Orleans, La. in 1962 while Donald was in the military. In 1963, they purchased a home and 54 acres next to his parents’ property from Bennie Jemes. They remained there until the present day, interrupted only by building a new home in 1980 next to the original house. At that location, Donald and his brother, Leonard, began an auto body repair and mechanic shop. In the early 1970s, they split the business and Donald took over the auto body repair side. He continued rebuilding wrecked vehicles for the next 40-some years under his business name, Don Crewse Auto Sales. He built a reputation for honesty and quality, but most importantly, he built lasting relationships with friends, neighbors, and family. Donald and Leonard were not only brothers, but lifelong best friends and neighbors. Their families did nearly everything together; from summer vacations out west, to camping near Beaver Creek, swap meets at Petit Jean Mountain and the Rolla Airport, hiking at Paddy Creek, family get-togethers, birthday parties, car shows and auctions at Springfield and Roby, and most of all, attending church together at Union Chapel Church. Donald and Leonard’s families were intertwined, and in the eyes of Donald’s nephews, he was the most amazing person. To them, he was a pillar to aspire to; a role model for character. Young men are blessed to have one good earthly father. Donald’s nephews were lucky enough to have two. Donald was preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings: Franklin, Elsie, Cledith, Pauline, Geraldine, Leonard, Carlene and Francis. He is survived by his loving wife, Darlene; sisters, Norma (Charles) Horton and June (Bill) Keplar; and many beloved nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.
Proverbs 22:1 says: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”
Cars, conversations and perfectly timed jokes were Donald’s specialties. He was a man of quick wit, and a more kind and compassionate man has never existed. He left behind a good name and memories which will be cherished for years to come. He will be greatly missed, but we will remember his love and loyalty for family, honesty, integrity, a strong work ethic, and most importantly, a godly heritage. Heaven will be glorious, Uncle Donald, because we will see you again. Visitation for Donald Crewse will be held Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 1-2 p.m. and funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. all at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove, with Chuck Horton officiating. Robert Crewse, Stacy Crewse, Doug Lawson, Randy Crewse, Bruce Horton and Tim Aldridge will serve as pallbearers. Les Lawson will serve as honorary pallbearer. Burial with full military honors by the United States Army and American Legion Post No. 30 will be in Union Chapel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Union Chapel Cemetery or St. Jude Children’s Research. Online condolences:  www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.