Donald Crowder

Donald Crowder

Donald James Crowder, 80, of Jackson died Thursday, March 5, 2009, at his home.

He was born Oct. 7, 1928, in Cape Girardeau, son of Chalmer James and Jane E. Dempsey Crowder.

Crowder worked for all the major towboat companies as a river boat captain for more than 60 years, traveling on the Mississippi, Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota and Arkansas rivers. He was also in several foreign countries working for the federal government. Crowder was the captain of the Casino Queen in East St. Louis. He retired in 2005. He was a member of the retired River Boat Association, the Eagles and several other fraternal organizations.

Survivors include a brother, Tom (Sue) Crowder of Grubville, Mo.; two sisters, Eileen (Dave) Sullivan of Winterville Plantation, Maine, Carol Gehl of Aberdeen, Miss., and his best friend and business associate, Purdy L. Sisson of Paducah, Ky.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be no visitation or funeral.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.