Robert Rabern Crowe

Dr. Robert (Bob) Rabern Crowe of Birmingham, Alabama passed away on Monday, May 17, 2021, at the age of 85. Bob loved and led his family well and he shared the gospel in a quiet and gentle way. He died peacefully with his beloved wife Carolyn and their daughters by his side.

Bob was born in Birmingham, Alabama on February 29, 1936, to Thomas Daniel Crowe and Jean Rabern Crowe. The oldest of three sons, Bob attended Shades Valley High School, Auburn University, and ultimately graduated from the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. His story included service in the United States Air Force.

Bob was known by many friends and his family as a quiet, gentle, kind, and humble man. He loved his family, friends, and community at Briarwood Presbyterian Church. It was at Briarwood where he and his wife served as mentors for the young adult Sunday school class for more than 25 years. Throughout his professional life, mentoring and teaching were a common theme as he helped many younger veterinarians to begin their own careers and start veterinary practices in and around Birmingham, Alabama. He especially loved his farm in Union Springs, Alabama. It was there that he raised bird dogs, promoted quail habitat, enjoyed turkey and deer hunting, and welcomed family and friends to do the same. Bob also loved competing and was known to be an excellent tennis player.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Julia Anne Crowe. He is survived by his wife Carolyn Hayes Crowe; children Melanie Crowe Hughes (Gary Hughes) and Susan Dorris Lynch (Tom Lynch); grandchildren Caroline Dorris, Taylor Hughes, Christopher Dorris (Katie Dorris), Lucy Hughes, and Julie Anne Dorris; and brothers David Crowe (Nancy Crowe) and Tommy Crowe (Freddie Crowe).

A celebration of Bob’s life is planned for Friday, May 21, 2021, at 2 pm. The service will be at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama. People wishing to honor Bob’s lifelong commitment to family and community can make memorial donations to the Union Ministries at Briarwood Presbyterian Church.

For I have no greater joy than this, that my children know the Lord. (3 John 1:4)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Crowe family.