Hugh Edward Crowder, PhD

Born in San Antonio TX in the midst of the Great Depression, he and his brother and sisters grew up surrounded by extended family. He taught himself to read at the age of four, and his love of books and learning defined his life. At the age of 17 Hugh put his faith in Christ alone for salvation. That changed his life forever.

After high school Hugh attended Baptist Bible College in Springfield MO and Arlington Baptist College in Texas. In 1959 he enlisted in the US Army, eventually serving as a helicopter crew chief in Germany.

In 1961 he married Wanda Elrod. Their son, Eric was born in Germany in 1962. After Hugh’s discharge from the Army the family returned to Texas. Daughters Erian, Elyse and Evette were born there. Hugh served at churches in Fort Worth, Houston and Arlington TX until 1970 when he was called as pastor of Lakeland Bible Church in Federal Way - a position he held until 2011.

After Hugh and Wanda divorced, Hugh met Cindy Perrault and they were married in 1984. In addition to his pastoral duties, he became an ASE certified master automotive technician, owned Crowder Automotive, and later served as a technical expert for the Washington State Lemon Law program. In the 1990s he decided to go back to college. He was awarded a BA from the University of Washington in 1995, a BS from Arlington Baptist College in 1995, a MA from California State University in 1999, and a PhD from Louisiana Baptist University in 2005.

As he neared retirement from full-time ministry, Hugh took mission trips to Nigeria and India to train native pastors. He also taught evangelism classes in local churches for a Dallas-based organization - Evantell - receiving their “Fishers of Men” award in 2009.

Hugh is survived by his wife Cindy, first wife Wanda, his four children, six grandchildren {Jordan, Jared, Summer, Leigh, Kody and Chase) and seven great grandchildren (Jules, Avery, Kamrynn, Quinn, Jamielee, Clark and Henry).

Hugh will be interred at the National Cemetery at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.

Hugh loved and was loved by family and friends. He will be remembered as a faithful servant of God, evangelizing and teaching God's Word for 50 years. His sense of humor and many stories endeared him to congregations.  We’ll miss you Hugh until God calls us home to heaven.

Memorials in Hugh's name may be sent to:

Home Instead, 505 S 336th St, Suite 550, Federal Way WA 98003