John Thomas “Tom” Crowder, 77, of Hillsboro, passed away Aug. 18, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s following a traumatic brain injury he survived in 1999.
Tom was born at Union Hospital in Terre Haute and grew up in Hillsboro, where he later built a life and family of his own. He graduated from Fountain Central High School in 1966. On June 25, 1967, he married the love of his life, Patricia “Patty” Jean Foster, and together they made Hillsboro their home for the rest of his life.
Tom spent 30 years working various positions at R.R. Donnelley & Sons. In 1993, he and Patty opened Veedersburg Florist and Gifts, running the shop together until their retirement in 2017. He especially loved making deliveries and getting to visit with people around the community.
Faith and service were central to Tom’s life. At Hillsboro United Methodist Church he served as a leader, teacher, superintendent and choir member, before later becoming a member of Hillsboro Church of the Nazarene. He also retired from the Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Department after years of service to his community.
Baseball ran deep in Tom’s heart. He umpired high school baseball for more than 20 years and coached his sons, Mike and Thomas, in little league. In later years, he could always be found watching his grandkids play from what he called “the best seat in the stadium” — right behind the home plate umpire. He was also a devoted Fountain Central football fan, rarely missing a Friday night game between 1978 and 2016.
Tom’s love for agriculture and youth mentorship shone through his 10 years as a 4-H member and more than 30 years of involvement in the Fountain County 4-H sheep program, including 20 years as barn superintendent.
Above all, Tom treasured time with his wife, children and grandchildren, and he was especially looking forward to spoiling his first great-grandchild, Calloway, expected soon by Dawson and Allyson.
Tom is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia “Patty” Crowder; his children, Mike (Stacie) Crowder, Lisa (Patrick) Russell and Thomas Crowder; his grandchildren, John and Cooper Crowder, Isabella Carter and Dawson (Allyson) Carter; his sister, Amy Allen; and his niece, Erin (Vlad) Hreskowsky.
He was preceded in death by father John Crowder; mother Edith Crowder; step-mother Alma Crowder; an infant sister; brother-in-law Dave Allen; and grandson Zachary Carter.
Tom will be remembered for his steady leadership, his quiet generosity, and the joy he took in the people and small-town life he loved.
Friends may call at Maus Funeral Home, Hillsboro, on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. until the service time at noon, with Pastor Greg McDonald officiating. Burial will be held at a later date in Rose Hill Cemetery, Hillsboro.
In lieu of flowers, Tom would appreciate donations to the Zachary Thomas Carter Foundation, P.O. Box 365, Crawfordsville, IN 47933 in his honor.
