CREWS, DAVID WILLIAM (1933 ~ 2015). The following is an obituary for David William Crews, former member of the Texas House of Representatives. The obituary was provided by Metcalf Funeral Directors of Conroe.
David William Crews was born in Karnes City, Texas on February 18, 1933. He passed away on February 8, 2015 in Conroe, Texas. David attended high school in Karnes City. He later graduated from Baylor University and Baylor Law School in 1957 where he earned a Doctorate in Jurisprudence. He established a law practice in Conroe in July 1957, serving the community for over fifty years.
In 1960, at the age of twenty-seven, David was elected to the Texas House of Representatives from Grimes and Montgomery Counties. During his four terms as Representative for Montgomery and other surrounding counties, he served on numerous committees and chaired the House Insurance Committee for two sessions. He was responsible for introducing important legislation including the passage of bills for the first motorcycle helmet law, photo identification on driver's licenses, and the change of the minimum driver's license age from 14 to 16. Another of his far-reaching legislative endeavors was to introduce and champion House Resolution 469 in the 58th Legislative session in 1963.
The resolution David introduced ultimately created "one of the largest and oldest criminal justice programs in the nation": the George J. Beto Criminal Justice Center at Sam Houston State University. In an interview conducted in 2014 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Center, David noted that he travelled to Huntsville to meet with Dr. George Beto, then the Director of Texas Department of Corrections. The interviewer notes that, "During their meeting the two men lamented the lack of cooperation between the Texas Department of Corrections and Sam Houston State Teachers College. Dr. Beto recalled during that initial meeting Representative Crews said that he would prefer to see Sam Houston known for a criminology program. The two men – who became immediate friends – parted that day with the understanding that they would work together to bring Representative Crews' vision to fruition." David said, "I will admit that I never envisioned the center being the nationally, and even internationally, recognized program that it has become. Yes, my vision has been more than realized. I'm truly amazed at what this program has become" (SHSU).
In honor of his exceptional contributions to the Criminal Justice Center, Sam Houston State University awarded David the Defensor Pacem Medal in 2004. His many accomplishments as an attorney include his tenure as Texas Counsel for Western Waste Industries, at the time, the third largest waste disposal company in the United States. He was instrumental in the creation of the Montgomery County Hospital District and served as its legal counsel from 1979 – 1996. He was also the long time attorney for the Montgomery County Housing Finance Corporation.
David was influential in securing the financing through the state legislature for the construction of North Loop 336 in Conroe of which many people did not see the necessity at the time. With local officials David helped to organize and establish the Tri-County MHMR organization. He served on the board of directors of Allied Conroe and Allied Jetero Banks, Conroe YMCA, and the Boy Scouts of America Advisory Board. David also supported the Conroe Salvation Army, Montgomery County Food Bank, Conroe Symphony, Tri-County Services, and Montgomery County Youth Services. He was a long time member of the Conroe Chamber of Commerce and actively participated in many Chamber activities during his years in Conroe. He was honored by the Chamber of Commerce in 2010, his name placed on the Wall of Honor for outstanding service and contributions to the community.
A lifelong member of the First Methodist Church of Conroe, David was a lay historian, with a comprehensive knowledge of Texas history and World War II, a raconteur, and a good citizen. His favorite pastime was conversation. With his dry sense of humor, David was always quick to laugh and appreciate a good story, especially if he was telling one. The qualities that drew people to David include his charismatic personality and his modesty. He never met anyone without immediately making them comfortable and eventually finding out their family history, making known that he knew someone linked to them. He was a caring father, but the light of his life was 'his boy,' his grandson, Will. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff and caregivers at Heritage Oaks for their compassion and caring in his final years. He was loved by so many and will be missed by them.
David Crews is survived by his daughter Kelly Kolodzey and her husband JB of Buda, Texas, son Matt and his wife Karen of Montgomery, Texas; grandchildren Branden Miars, Morgan Miars, and Will Crews. He is also survived by his former wife and close friend Becky Chapman; his sister Nonie Kendrick of Boerne, Texas; his sister Doris Puryear and her husband Glynn of Dumas, Arkansas; and his brother Pat Crews of Graham, Texas along with numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Visitation for David will be held Thursday February 12, 2015 from 11 am to 1 pm with services starting at 2 pm at First United Methodist Church in Conroe located at 4308 West Davis St. Conroe, Texas 77304. Graveside services will be held Saturday February 14, 2015 at 11:30 am in the Gallery located in the Texas State Cemetery 909 Navasota St. Austin, Texas 78702.
The family has asked in lieu of flowers that donations be made to:
The Salvation Army Conroe Corps (in Memory of David Crews)
P.O. Box 897
Conroe, Texas 77305
The David W. Crews Endowed Scholarship Fund In Law
Baylor Law School
One Bear Place #97288
Waco, Texas 76798
Attention: Dean Brad Toben
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