Edward Maurice Crowley Sr., age 84, of Prague, Oklahoma, went home to his reward on Friday, June 19, 2009.

He was born November 20, 1924, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Clyde N. and Flora Ann Burnham Crowley.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from November 1942 to June 12, 1944.

He was wed to Mary Louise Wyatt on September 8, 1944. The two were married for 63 years.

He obtained his GED in 1964 and in his early years, he was a journeyman electrician.

He became a Christian in his 20's and later became a preacher of the Gospel. He was a devoted Bible scholar and minister for the church of Christ for 50 years, retiring in 2004.

He attended services at the Paden and Prague churches of Christ the last few years of his life.

He was an avid fisherman and hunter in his younger years. He enjoyed western novels and movies and had a special love for his pets. He was a wonderful and entertaining storyteller. He was a good and honorable man. We will miss the joy of simply sitting around and "talking Bible" with him so much.

Maurice was the father of two sons and four daughters, to whom he was a wonderful, loving father and friend.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his parents, two brothers, one daughter, Sammie Lynn Lacy and one great-granddaughter, Jessica.

He was also preceded in death by his beloved dog, Buffy.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Ed and Gin Crowley of Beloit, Kansas; Mike and Judy Crowley of Matador, Texas; daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie and a special son-in-law Dave Haynie of Prague; Gwen and Fred Fowler of Sherwood, Arkansas; Marsha and Bob Hampton of Seneca, Missouri; son-in-law, Jack Lacy of Danville, Arkansas; fifteen grandchildren; thirty-three great-grandchildren; niece, Carol Sue Shackleford of Hardy, Arkansas; nephews, Pete Wyatt of Hardy, Arkansas; Tommy Wyatt of Villa Reca, Georgia; sisters, Merle Jean Davidson of Mablevale, Arkansas; Diane of Arkansas; Connie of Seattle, Washington; and his "other daughter" Mickey Denny of Apache Junction, Arizona.

The family wishes to express a special thank you for the love and appreciation, and the excellent care by Dr. Gary Worcester. They also wish to thank the cath lab staff of Integris Baptist Medical Center.

Graveside services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at Czech National Cemetery.

Services under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home of Prague, Oklahoma.

Submitted & © by: Sherry Springer

Submitted & © by: Sherry Springer