Autism pioneer, orthodontist, photographer David Crowe dies

Friends and colleagues of David Crowe said his passing represents the loss of a creator, mentor and visionary.

The local orthodontist and photographer died at his home in Cape Girardeau early Friday morning after battling brain cancer.

Federal Judge Stephen Limbaugh Jr. and his brother Jim Limbaugh grew up together as neighbors with Crowe on Henderson Street, just across the street from Southeast Missouri State University. Stephen Limbaugh called his longtime friend a man of many talents.

"He was a consummate professional as an orthodontist," he said. "And he's always been immensely creative. My office and my house are adorned with the magnificent photos he's taken."

Crowe's photos also hang in a gallery at Southeast Hospital. Featuring photos of iconic places around Southeast Missouri, the Close to Home gallery is just outside the surgical waiting room. Jim Limbaugh, SoutheastHEALTH executive vice president, said the photos of familiar places can calm people who might be anxiously awaiting for a loved one undergoing surgery.

"It's almost therapeutic," he said of the photos. "It's almost this feeling of 'OK, I can exhale now.'"

Jim Limbaugh said the hospital receives questions and comments daily about the gallery. He also said it stands as permanent recognition of Crowe's dedication to Southeast and his passion for Southeast Missouri.

Both men agree what was most remarkable about Crowe was his work with his son Taylor, who developed autism early in life. After his diagnosis, doctors predicted Taylor would never lead an independent life. But Taylor and his father refused to accept that. Taylor is a licensed driver, college graduate, lecturer and successful artist who provides regular editorial cartoons for the Southeast Missourian's Opinion page.

"He [David Crowe] created a pathway for autism causes in Southeast Missouri at a time when it was not very popular," said Jim Limbaugh. "And that was quite a risk, definitely."

In 2003, Crowe founded the Tailor Institute, a not-for-profit organization that works on the belief that individuals with autism could live independently and reach their full potential if provided tailored services based around their skills. Jenny Knoderer, former executive director for the group, said Crowe's "relentless passion" was apparent in every conversation he had about the Tailor Institute.

"He was unapologetic about his focus," she said of the man she called a mentor.

While the institute has been beneficial to many local families touched by autism, Knoderer said Taylor and his father's travels across the world to share their story inspired thousands. His constant pursuit and boundary-pushing made Crowe "more than anything, a visionary," she said.

"He stood for living life," said Knoderer. "I can't speak to what his legacy is, but in my mind it's commitment ... fortitude and, I would say, service."

Stephen Limbaugh said Crowe wrote a book about his experiences with Taylor and his efforts to learn more about autism. He said he hopes to see the book published posthumously because he believes it would give people affected by autism "great hope."

"What he's done for the community to raise awareness and help families impacted by autism, and with his photos, it's splendid -- that's the word for it, splendid," Stephen Limbaugh said. "It's a terrible, sad loss for the community."

Crowe is survived by his wife, Melissa McKee Crowe and sons Taylor B. Crowe, Austin D. Crowe and Adam D. Baron.

Memorials for Crowe may be given to the Tailor Institute, 1 University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, or at thetailorinstitute.org.

srinehart@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, Mo.