Obituary of Wesley Irie Crowder

Wesley Irie Crowder, 82 of Bedford, passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at his residence. He was born on Thursday, December 29, 1938 in Bedford County, a son of the late Mack Henry Crowder and Nelia Mae Overstreet Crowder. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Patsy Brown Crowder and his brothers, Rev. Nolan Crowder and Henry Crowder. Wesley graduated from Huddleston High School and the Dale Carnegie School of Human Relations. He was owner of Wesley I. Crowder General Contractors and previously worked as Vice-President of L. G. Flint, Inc. He is survived by his son, Wesley Keith Crowder & wife, Susanne Hartmann as well as numerous nieces nephews and many extended family members. Wesley was a very active member of the Moose Association having joined Bedford Moose Lodge #1897 in 1963. He served as Sports Co-Chairman 1967-1968, managed and coached Softball and Basketball teams, Elected Governor 1973, Past Governor 1974, served as Civic Affairs Chairman for a number of years, served as Co-Chairman for Bingo for 5 years, served on Building Committee for a number of years, received Fellowship Degree, received Pilgrim Degree (highest degree of the Moose), on the district level he has served as District 6 President 1976, Past District President 1977, District Chairman, VMA Transportation System; on the state level he has been State Outer Guard, State Sergeant-at-Arms, 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President, President 1979-1980, Past President, Pilgrim Secretary, Civic Affairs Chairman for 4 Years, Ways Means Committee for 8 Years, Deputy Supreme Governor 1982, Secretary/ Treasurer 1989 - 2017, State Government Relations Chairman 1994 - present; Internationally he has served on the Government Relations Committee - 2001 - present as well as Supreme Council Member-2005-present, Supreme Governor 2011-2012. Wes was also active in many other activities within the community. He served as President - Liberty High School Booster Club (2 Years), Home Builders of Central Virginia Board Member for life, President Home Builders of Central Virginia 1978, Home Show Chairman for 5 Years, served on committee for 10 Years, Membership Chairman - Home Builders Association, Member of Spike Club - 200 Division, Life Member of Board of Directors-Central Virginia Home Builders, Life Member of Board of Directors - Virginia Home Builders Association, Served two terms as Region Vice President- Virginia Home Builders Association, Member of Legislation Committee Level Home Builders, Member of the Elks Lodge, Member of the Woodmen of the World, Member of Advisory Board Massey Cancer Center, Member of Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Charitable Gaming Board, Member of the National D-Day Memorial Advisory Board. He was an ardent fan of sports, especially NASCAR and attended the Daytona 500 race almost every year since 1963. Wes will be greatly missed by all who knew him for his knowledge, keen eye, and his sly smirk of amusement. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Massey Cancer Center, Moose Charities and the National D-Day Memorial. A Pilgrim Tribute of Service Memorial will be held for Wes at 4 pm on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at the Bedford Moose Lodge 1897. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.