George Barr Crowe , 85, of Columbia City, died peacefully in the company of family at 2:30 a.m. October 22, 2023, at his home.

Born on August 21, 1938, in Stanley, Kentucky, he was a son of the late Joseph E. and Martha I. (Barr) Crowe. Growing up in Stanley, he graduated from Owensboro Catholic High School.

On September 6, 1958, he married Norma Jean Hardesty, embarking on a 65-year journey together, raising five children. They made their first home in Kentucky, moving to Columbia City in 1964.

While living in Kentucky, he was recruited by Webco in Columbia City and went to work for them as a machinist from 1964 until 1970. He also was a member of the Indiana National Guard for nine years. He then joined Thomson Whitley County Motor Sales, working in the service department. Retiring from Thomson's, he served as custodian at the St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church in Columbia City. In 2002, he became manager of the Wearly Monuments store in Columbia City, where he worked until December of 2021.

A strong man of faith, he enthusiastically encouraged and supported youth, especially his own children, to be the best they could be. He served as the youth minister at the St. Paul Catholic Church for 39 years, supporting children and teenagers in their spiritual and ethical growth. He earned trust and respect by being involved, attending their sporting events and other activities. Good-humored and good-natured, even after his cancer diagnosis, he enjoyed being with his friends by participating in the Whopper Wednesday group, Farkle Friday, and Sunday Breakfast at Richard's.

He was past president of the Columbia City Jaycees and a committee member of the Columbia City Junior Miss Program for 20 years. In collaboration with Mayor Jim Teghtmeyer and Representative Ralph Heine, they brought safety improvements to the US 30 bypass.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 65 years, Norma Jean; children, Patricia (Michael) Rethlake, Anthony (Bonnie) Crowe, Deborah "Dee Dee" (Thomas) Sordelet, and J. Lorraine (Jeff Brunner) McFarland, all of Columbia City; ten grandchildren, 14, great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and a brother, Paul H. (Theresa) Crowe of Knottsville, KY.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a son, Jason M. Crowe, and siblings, Joseph, William, Robert, Edward, Richard, Norbert, James, J. Martin, and O. Eugene Crowe, Mary Zogleman, and Patricia Phelps.

A Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 S Line St., Columbia City, with visitation one hour prior. Burial is at the Catholic Cemetery, Columbia City. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with a Rosary at 8 p.m.

Memorials in George's honor are to the Catholic Kentucky Mission Ministry or Cancer Services of NE Indiana.