05/10/2014
Phillip J. Crews was born June 22, 1931 to Leonard and Anna (Light) Crews. He was a graduate of Knoxville High School, Class of ’50, where he lettered in football.
He served as a sergeant in the Air Force during the Korean War. It was during this time when he met his bride, Carolyn Ann (Edge), while stationed in Atlanta, GA. Phillip and Carolyn settled in Des Moines after his discharge from the Air Force where they raised their children, Tim, Theresa, and Tammie.
Phillip worked for a time as a welder before getting into the printing business. He established Merit Printing Company, Inc. in Des Moines in 1982 and retained ownership until his retirement in 1995. He was a member of the Printing and Paper Products Industries of America and of the New Testament Baptist Church.
Phillip never met a stranger. He loved to carry on a pleasant conversation with everyone that he met. His family meant everything to him. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren; they were his life and he loved them dearly.
Phillip passed away Saturday, May 10, 2014 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines at the age of 82. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at Dunn’s Funeral Home, 2121Grand Avenue, Des Moines.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 15, also at the funeral home, with burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
Phillip is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carolyn of Des Moines; daughter, Tammie (Tony) Palazzo of Pleasant Hill; brothers, Donald Crews of Nebraska and Dan (Marlene) Crews of Pella; sister, Betty (Al)Worrall of Knoxville; grandchildren, Lindsey Bauman, Chad (Lacey) Bauman, Chase (Elizabeth) Gochnauer, Sara Jo Saylor, Brittany Crews, Shonna (Alex) Travis, and Matt (Jocelyn) Palazzo; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and other beloved family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Tim Crews; daughter, Theresa Clayton; brother, Charles Crews; and sister, Doris Johnson.