Obituaries

Douglas Crowther, CDR USN Ret., of Concord, Virginia died at his home on August 25, 2024. Doug was the son of Russell Irwin and Gladys Brice Crowther. He was born June 21, 1933, in Belmar, NJ and attended New Jersey public schools. Doug graduated from the New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler, New York in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering and a commission in the U.S. Navy. Babcock & Wilcox hired Doug directly out of college to work on the design of the nuclear-powered ship NS Savannah. Doug had a long and varied career with B&W in engineering, sales, planning, and ultimately as part of the negotiating team that oversaw the sale of half interest in the nuclear services division to Framatome in 1989. His naval career included the installation of secret communication equipment on aircraft carriers and destroyers in the Far East and the Mediterranean—a cloak-and-daggers job that spoiled him for desk work. A talented sailor, Doug designed his own mahogany-planked sloop, Mistress, which he had built in Nova Scotia. He served as treasurer for the Fifth District Soil and Water Conservation Board, president of the Staunton River Historical Society, and senior warden of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Appomattox. He was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lynchburg. In 1970, Doug and his wife Sandra bought “Blenheim,” an early 19th-century tobacco plantation in Campbell County, and lovingly restored the manor house which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Always the engineer, the house and farm kept his hands busy long into retirement. Doug’s favorite spot was by the fireplace reading with his beloved Scottish Deerhounds at his feet or in his lap. Doug is survived by his wife, Sandra, his sons Douglas and Cabell (Meghan), his daughter Lesley (Barry) Fore, his brother Pete in the USVI, and his grandchildren Trey and Cassie Crowther, Ellie and Gray Fore, and Anna and Caroline Crowther. In lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lynchburg is appreciated. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hendersonfuneral.net. Henderson Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Brookneal is assisting the family.