David Crowe

Dr. David P. Crowe, 62, passed away on March 7, 2014 at his home in Cape Girardeau. David was born October 19, 1951 in Cape Girardeau to John T. and Margaret Ann Ellis Crowe. On April 26, 1996, he married Melissa L. McKee, who survives. David was a 1969 graduate of Cape Girardeau Central High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts from Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College) in 1973. He earned his DDS at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1978 and his MSD at Baylor College of Dentistry in 1980. David returned to Cape Girardeau in 1980 to practice orthodontics. Over the years David built enduring relationships with a loyal staff and with thousands of wonderful patients and their families. He retired in April of 2012. Survivors include his wife, Melissa McKee Crowe and sons Taylor B. Crowe, Austin D. Crowe and Adam D. Baron. He is also survived by his brothers John K. Crowe of Phoenix, Arizona and Stephen T. Crowe of Mesa, Arizona. David was preceded in death by his parents. David was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Chapter of Tennessee, the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists. Locally, David was a member of First Presbyterian Church, having served as deacon and elder. He was a member of the board of directors of Mercantile Bank. He founded and was president of the Tailor Institute and was a charter member of the Missouri Autism Commission. David was a member of the American Society of Media Photographers and was chief operating officer of the Richard Halliburton Memorial Expedition Society. David enjoyed a keen interest in photography over his lifetime. He was known for his stunning, large format prints of local and western landscapes, as well as two remarkable series taken in the island nations of Cuba and Iceland. David's eldest son developed autism very early in the autism epidemic. David was determined that Taylor would lead a full and productive life and devoted endless hours to Taylor's remarkable rehabilitation. This commitment led to the establishment of the Tailor Institute, which helps high-functioning autistic individuals reach their full potential. Memorials for David may be given to the Tailor Institute, 1 University Plaza, Cape Girardeau MO 63701, or at www.thetailorinstitute.org. Family and friends will gather for a memorial service and celebration of David's life at Cape Bible Chapel on Sunday, March 16, 2014 at 3:30 p.m. The devotional service will be led by Pastor Paul Short of St. Andrew Lutheran Church. A reception will be held following the service. Arrangements have been handled by Ford & Sons Funeral Home.

Tributes

David Crowe

March 7, 2014