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Cherokee, Oklahoma-
Earl Stanley Crowder, beloved husband, father, and
grandpa, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, at the age of 82, after
recently being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Born on December 28, 1943, in Alva to Earl and Dorothy Crowder, Stanley lived a full life defined by faith in Christ, love, and devotion. His early years were characterized by hard work on the family farm, working alongside his father and grandfather. The discipline and determination he developed there also fueled his success in high school sports at Enid High School, graduating in 1963. He would eventually follow in his father’s footsteps and play college football at the University of Oklahoma (OU) from 1963-1968. In addition to football, he ran track and was involved in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps. (ROTC), demonstrating the perseverance and resolve that would characterize his life.
While attending OU, Stanley met the love of his life, Elisa McClendon. Together they shared 58 wonderful years of marriage. The day they were married, June 2, 1968, was also the day Stanley graduated from college and was commissioned into the United States Air Force. He served seven years, attaining the rank of Captain.
Although he valued his military career, his heart never strayed far from the farm, and he eventually returned to continue his lifelong passion for farming. In Cherokee, he served as a school board member and as a trustee at the First Baptist Church, where he was a member.
Above all else, Stanley was devoted to his loving wife, Elisa, and his three daughters, Julie, Jennifer, and Ginger. He took great pride in watching his daughters grow, supporting their dreams, and sharing in their accomplishments. In his later years, Stanley enjoyed working alongside his son-in-law, Tom, on the farm and ranch. Stanley’s guidance, wisdom, and straightforward nature will live on in the memories of his family.
A devoted animal lover, Stanley never passed up an opportunity to rescue or care for an animal. The bond between a man and his dog was evident throughout his life, as there was almost always a faithful companion riding shotgun in his pickup while he checked cattle. His beloved Duke was his last and perhaps most treasured four-legged friend.
Stanley is survived by his wife, Elisa of Cherokee; his three daughters, Julie Mohler and husband, Jason of Bixby, Oklahoma, Jennifer Foster and husband, Byron of Newcastle, Oklahoma and Ginger Schickedanz and husband, Tom of Edmond/Cherokee Oklahoma; and his grandchildren, Ethan Mohler and wife, Katie of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Andra Vernon and husband, Reis of Kansas City, Missouri, Grant Mohler of Bixby, Oklahoma; Brody, Barrett, and Blake Foster of Newcastle, Oklahoma and Lane and Ladd Schickedanz of Edmond/Cherokee, Oklahoma.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Crowder of Cherokee, Oklahoma, and Dorothy Norris of Enid, Oklahoma.
A celebration of Stanley's life will be held on June 20, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Cherokee, Oklahoma. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and reflection. Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Cherokee, Oklahoma. Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc. Website: www.lanmanfuneralhome.com
Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Cherokee through the funeral home.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, medical professionals, and friends who provided comfort, care, and support during Stanley's illness with ALS.
Stanley's legacy of faith, service, hard work, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
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