Obituary of Dennis Lee Crow

Dennis Lee Crow, 72, of Oxford, Iowa, passed away on February 21, 2025, at his home. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Born on August 11, 1952, in Iowa City at Mercy Hospital, Dennis was the third of ten children born to Harold and Helen (Clements) Crow. Raised in Oxford, he grew up working on the family farm and graduated from Clear Creek High School in 1970. He later earned a degree from City College of Chicago and, after his military service, completed a motorcycle mechanic certification from AMI in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Dennis proudly served in the U.S. Air Force until 1974, with basic training in Colorado Springs and weapons training in Nevada. His military career took him to Keflavik, Iceland (57th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, "The Black Knights"), and RAF Bentwaters, England. While stationed in England, he met and married Mary Friar in 1974. Their daughter, Hayley, was born in 1976, followed by their son, James, in 1977. The family lived in Woodbridge, England, before relocating to Northeast Florida in 1982, where Dennis worked for the Florida East Coast Railroad for over 20 years. In 1997, he returned to Oxford, Iowa.

Dennis had a lifelong passion for tinkering with old vehicles, lawnmowers, and motorcycles—especially his Harley, which he loved riding in recent years. He enjoyed visiting historical memorials and museums, and during his time in England, he was active in the Woodbridge Art Club. Most recently, he cherished phone conversations with his granddaughter, London.

A dedicated member of the American Legion, Dennis belonged to Post 537 in Oxford, Iowa, where he served as 2nd Vice Commander and Chaplain. He previously joined the American Legion in Middleburg, Florida. His duties included participating in the Honor Guard at military funerals, firing the M1 Salute, performing flag-raising ceremonies, and participating in motorcycle rides to honor veterans. Known as the "walking historian" at the Legion, Dennis had an encyclopedic knowledge of military uniforms and aircraft—particularly the distinctive noses of planes, reflecting his Air Force service.

Dennis leaves behind his daughter, Hayley (Jeremy) Hahn; son, James Crow (Nancy Dyal); granddaughter, London Hahn; mother, Helen Crow; brothers, Steve, Dale, Jim, and Lynn Crow; and sisters, Mary Schott, Nancy Skripsky, Kathleen Barkalow, and Kimberly Maas. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold, and brother, Stanley.

Warm and generous, Dennis was known for his humor and willingness to help others. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.