Robert D. Crowell

Robert Donald Crowell, 71, Papa Don or other times referred to as “JJ”, Don, or Donnie, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Missouri on July 19, 2023. He was born in Rockford, Illinois to Robert and Mary Crowell on September 18, 1951.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Crowell, his sister, Stephanie Schultz, and brother, James (Jim) Crowell.

He is survived by his girlfriend, Carol Rilling, his three sisters, Robin (Jerry) King, Sherry Ransford, Jody (Barry) McMahon, his children Steve (Beth) Crowell, Kristine (John) McDaniel, Sandra Crowell, and Carol’s daughter, Carolyn (Sam) Mcguire, and many grandkids and great-grandkids.

After graduating high school, Robert started his career as a pattern maker at Ingersoll Milling. A few years later, computers took his job and he began his life-long career in the truck driving industry. He drove locally and across the country for over 50 years. His son and grandson both have followed in his footsteps as drivers as well. He was a widely respected driver, made friends everywhere he went, as many knew him as “JJ” across the CB channels. He was full of life and made people laugh everywhere he went. One of his favorite sayings was, “I’ve driven more miles in reverse than you have driven forward”, always ending with his signature grin.

Robert had an enormous heart and sense of humor. He was generous and loyal. He was clever and witty, he was full of knowledge which he gained through all of his life experiences from trucking, construction, wood-working and camping. He loved spending time with his family, especially if it involved grilling on a Weber Charcoal grill, golfing, camping or fishing!! He will be remembered for all of the love he shared with his family and friends. He truly loved each of them - and if you knew him, you knew it! He will be greatly missed!!

Please join us for services listed to remember him and celebrate his life!!

A visitation for Robert will be held Friday, July 28, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services, 7000 West State Street, Rockford, Illinois 61102. A funeral will occur Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services.

Robert will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Gardens, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115-2277.

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