Amos Benjamin "A. B." Crow, 83, of 172 Long Rapids Road, Alpena, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 13, 2009, at Alpena Regional Medical Center.
Mr. Crow was born in Alpena on April 4, 1925 to Ralph and Helen (Thomas) Crow and spent his childhood and early adulthood in Alpena. In 1942 he graduated from Alpena High School, where he held the track record for the mile run for 20 years. Mr. Crow joined the U.S. Army Air Corp. and became a pilot flying B-17's and maintained his commercial pilot's license his entire life. On October 5, 1946 he married the former Joyce Craighead at Grace Lutheran Church. She preceded him in death on January 19, 1979. He married the former Ann Harris Henderson on December 29, 1979; she preceded him in death in July 29, 2004.
He began his extensive career at WATZ Radio Station in advertising sales, then purchased a Besser Block operation in Kokomo, Indiana where he resided until he returned to Alpena to found and operate "The Town Crier." In 1958 he began his long and distinguished career in real estate with Harold P. Reinke at Reinke Real Estate. In 1962 he established Crow Realty; and in 1978 he and his son, Jon, purchased a Century 21 franchise and the family business became known as Century 21 Crow Realty.
Mr. Crow was a charter member and served as president of the Alpena Board of Realtors receiving emeritus status. He was very active in the community his entire life and received the Chamber of Commerce "Citizen of the Year" award, was past commodore of the Alpena Yacht Club, president of the Boys Club and Quarterback Club, served on the City Development Corporation Committee, and on the City Waterfront and Harbor Advisory Board. Mr. Crow was the "J.C. Man of the Year" in 1974 and twice received the Chamber of Commerce Presidential Merit Award. He was also active with the State of Michigan and served on the Waterways Commission for 9 years, helping to develop harbors such as the Presque Isle Harbor and the Alpena Harbor. Mr. Crow was a member of the Great Lakes Cruising Club where he served as rear commodore, an active member of Grace Lutheran Church, Remington Hunt Club, Alpena Country Club, Blue Gavel Organization and Alpena Elks Club.
Surviving are his children, Jon (Mari) Crow , Alan Crow, Marcie (Joe) Law; two stepsons, Robert (Susan) Henderson, William (Susan) Henderson; 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Janet (Mark) Robinson, and Cathy (Steve) Maassen.
Preceding him in death were a sister, Joanne Menton, and a grandson, Matthew Thompson Crow.
Family and friends may call at the Bannan Funeral Home on Sunday from 2-8 p.m. Visitation will continue at Grace Lutheran Church on Monday from 10 a.m. until time of memorial service at 11 with Rev. Owen Williams officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church.
Inurnment: Grace Lutheran Cemetery
