David Harold Crowson of Killen died Sept. 10, one month short of his 78th birthday. He had struggled all summer to recover from a heart attack suffered in early June. Mr. Crowson had been the primary caregiver for his wife, Norma White Crowson, who suffers from advanced Alzheimer's Disease. He had hoped to come home to her before their 58th anniversary Sept. 14.

He is survived by his wife, Norma; two sons, Bryan and Jeremy; four grandchildren, Matthew, Evan, Claire and Juliette; and two brothers, Steve and Danny. He was preceded in death by his daughter Jennifer and grandson Silas.

Mr. Crowson studied mechanical engineering at Auburn University, where he graduated in 1965. His engineering career actually began as a cooperative education student, doing engineering calculations at NASA in Huntsville as part of the Apollo program. His long career was mainly focused on production management. But to his family, he was the go-to guy for any household problems with carpentry, electricity, plumbing or car troubles, because he could fix just about anything.

He enjoyed the outdoors with his beloved Boston Whaler fishing boat, on which he led many family outings and camping trips. He was also a hunter, and he relished his solitude and adventures exploring the woods.

His children's sense of humor is a direct inheritance from their dad. When something struck him funny, he would laugh loud and heartily. He sometimes laughed to the point of tears at funny movies such as The Big Lebowski, or telling funny stories about camping trips, or about his boyhood adventures with his brothers.

His greatest concern, to the end, was to make sure his wife was cared for. Kay White -- Norma's baby sister -- said she never knew any two people who loved each other more than Dave and Norma.

Graveside service for Mr. Crowson will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at Civitan Cemetery, behind First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Rogersville. Family visitation is at 11:30 a.m. at Elkins East Funeral Home, and public visitation at noon. Masks and social distancing are required.