House Concurrent Resolution 98

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. JOHN DAVID CREWS, SR., AND EXTENDING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Dr. John David Crews, Sr., of Oxford, Mississippi, departed this earthly life on February 22, 2012, at the blessed age of 85, to enter into eternal rest, causing great sorrow and loss to his family and many friends; and

WHEREAS, a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Dr. Crews was born to the marital union of Cleveland and Evelyn Gotthelf Crews on May 25, 1926; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Crews graduated from Carr Central High School in 1944, whereupon he left his hometown of Vicksburg to serve his country in the United States Navy during World War II, and after his military service, he moved to Sewanee, Tennessee, to attend the University of the South; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from the University of the South in 1950, Dr. Crews served as a journalist in Mississippi and in Florida before attending the University of Virginia, where he earned his master's degree and doctorate in English Literature; and

WHEREAS, upon receiving his graduate degrees in 1965, Dr. Crews and his wife, June, moved their young family to Oxford, where he joined the faculty of the University of Mississippi in the English department; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Crews was an English Literature professor at Ole Miss from 1966 to 1988, and during his 22-year tenure, he touched the lives of countless students at the beloved university; and

WHEREAS, an active citizen of Oxford, Dr. Crews, fondly known as "Landslide Crews," was a chairman for the Oxford Park Commission, and in 1977, he was elected by three votes to the Oxford Board of Aldermen, a position that he held until 1981; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Crews' devotion to his community was clear in the different initiatives he supported, such as education, recreation, religion and meeting the needs of the poor, all evidence of his compassion and care for his fellowman; and

WHEREAS, as a faithful and active member and Senior Warden of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Oxford, Dr. Crews served on the vestry and led many efforts to serve the poor and disadvantaged, including a tutoring program to serve the educational needs for underprivileged children of Oxford and Lafayette County; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Crews was a published playwright and poet, and he thoroughly enjoyed classical music and read incessantly, never ceasing to believe in the power of knowledge and education; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Crews, preceded in death by his parents, Cleveland Y. Crews and Evelyn Gotthelf Crews, and his brother, James, will be forever remembered in the hearts of his loving survivors, including: wife, June Lowrey Crews; sons, David Crews and wife, Claire, and Billy Crews and wife, Catherine; daughters, Emily Fox and husband, Leland, and Lynn Crews; a sister, Anne Crews; seven grandchildren, Mary Catherine Molpus, Lowrey Crews, Perrin Crews, Elaine Hatch, Brian Hatch, Battle Crews and Caroline Crews; and a host of other family members and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend the life and legacy of outstanding Mississippians, such as Dr. Crews, a great educator and dutiful citizen who warmly touched the lives of countless individuals through his teaching career and selfless service to better the lives of others, particularly the downtrodden, throughout his Oxford community:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life and legacy of Dr. John David Crews, Sr., and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Dr. Crews and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.