Edward Crowder Jr.

Edward "Eddie" Crowder Jr. was born on May 2, 1960 in Chicago, Illinois. He was born the second child of seven siblings to the late Edward Crowder Sr. and the late Eloise Brown. He attended and graduated from Richard T. Crane High School.

Prior to military service, Eddie was a percussionist in the Phantom Regiment and Bugle Corps of Drum Corps International. In High school he taught percussion at Malcolm X College as well as for the Hornets Drum & Bugle Corps of the Henry Horner Boys and Girls Club in Chicago. He was a skilled percussionist with his own band and part-time DJ.

Throughout his life Eddie loved playing and listening to music. He also loved to cook for his family, especially barbecue, was known as the "Rib King," and loved to play basketball. At times he was a comedian who knew no strangers. Most of all he was a family man and great provider. His friends often called him "The Great Provider." After serving 24 years as a United States Army Supply Non-Commissioned Officer stationed in Maryland, Korea, Germany, Georgia and Fort Hood, Texas, Edward retired in Killeen, Texas. His awards and medals included the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (5th Award), the Army Achievement Medal (5th Award), the Army Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), the National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), the South West Asia Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Star (BSS) Ribbon, Non-Commissioned Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal (SA), and the Overseas Service (4th Award). He served in the Gulf War (Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm)

Eddie Leaves to cherish his memory: the love of his life for 29 years, Kelley Michelle Crowder; two children, Edward Crowder III and Michele Crowder; his six siblings, sisters Phyllis E. Massey (deceased Michael E. Massey), Priscilla Crowder, Pamela Crowder, Claretha Crowder (Willie Martin); brothers; Sanford Crowder (Ursula Crowder), Andre Crowder (Grace Ann Crowder) and god-brother Stanley Mosley; and a host of aunts, nieces, nephews and great-nieces & nephews.

Edward had a great impact on everyone he met, making them laugh or smile.

He will always be remembered .