Stephen Charles Crowe

Stephen Charles Crowe passed away Jan. 21, 2016 at the age of 72 after a long battle with health issues. He had several health scares over his lifetime, but was always able to beat the odds and stay to provide, protect and guide his family, until he finally became weary of all the battles and needed to join his Lord. Stephen was born on Oct. 19, 1943 in Caldwell, Idaho to Norman "Tex" and Elizabeth "Betty" Crowe. He moved to Washington State when he was 12 and ultimately attended Pasco Senior High School in Pasco, Washington. He joined the United States Navy in Nov. 1959 and toured Vietnam as a Machinist Mate on the USS Oak Hill. He ended his full time Navy career in Feb. 1965 and moved to St. Helena and went to work for Kaiser Steel for approximately 1 year. He also bartended with his father Norman in St. Helena at Claude's bar, where Stephen met his wife Pat and Norman met his wife Virginia after Betty had passed away. Stephen began working for the United States Postal Service in 1967 and remained there for 42 years. He received a public service commendation from the City of St. Helena for his "service to the citizens of St. Helena and of the entire community as a whole". Throughout his years in St. Helena he was a reserve Police Officer and coached/mentored countless kids and adults in baseball and softball and in life in general. He also remained in the Naval Reserves and officially retired in 1993 from the SBUXI River Rats. Stephen was very much about service to others and was always willing to help anyone in need. He literally saved several people that were on his mail route when they would be found "down" at their residence and he would render aide and get them assistance. He also once helped save a young woman who was caught in an oven at the Mare Island chow hall while out having breakfast. He was a man that always wanted the best for others and was always willing to give his input on what he thought the best path for them would be. Many of the people that followed his advice were happy that they did so, as they felt their life was enhanced and were thankful that he cared enough to give his opinion. He was also known as the pied piper of animals, as he made friends with them all including the dogs on his mail route that he would carry dog biscuits for daily. He tried to have a gruff exterior, but everyone that got to know him knew he was a big marshmallow and the animals just sensed that from the beginning. One of his favorite things to do was go into work on Christmas Day to deliver packages to people from their loved ones. It made him feel good to make others happy. Stephen was predeceased by his wife Patsy "Pat" Crowe; he is survived by his children Judy Lauborough (Alan) of Napa, Cheryl Pedraza (Richard) of Fairfield and Lee-Ann Crowe of St. Helena, his grandchildren, Jason Lauborough (Kristie) of Petaluma, Christopher Pedraza (Sheila) of Suisun and Jamie Longnecker (Edward) of Cotati; his brothers David "Butch" Crowe and John Clifford Crowe both of Kennewick, Washington and Karl Crowe Sr. (Susanna) of Napa; sister Norma Faye Crowe Kloepfer (Doug) of Dolan Springs, Arizona; step mother Virginia Crowe of Yountville; many nieces and nephews and fur kids Keegan, Woogie and Buster Brown. He was also predeceased by his good friend Carol Everett. Stephen was well cared for by Napa Valley Hospice over the last several months and became quite fond of his aide Constance, his nurse Mary and Dr. Elizabeth Durkin. Nurse Kayleigh was also very kind and helpful with his needs. They allowed him to keep his dignity and sense of humor for as long as possible and the family thanks them for all their caring. Thank you to Chaplain Lee Shaw for his spiritual support, both for Stephen and for the family. A special thank you to Renee Mathe, Stephen's niece for her assistance during a very difficult time. There are so many others to list for all of their help that there isn't enough room, so just know that Stephen and his family recognize you in their hearts and you will never be forgotten. A viewing is scheduled for Friday the 29th of January, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a service to follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Seventh-day Adventist Church 1777 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574. There will then be a reception from 2:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. at The American Legion Hall 1291 Madrona Avenue, St. Helena, CA 94574. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Law Enforcement & Fire Service Chaplaincy of Napa County (napachaps.com), Napa Valley Hospice (support.nvhads.org) or to an animal organization of the donor's choice. Morrison Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

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Stephen Charles Crowe

October 19, 1943 - January 21, 2016