Thomas William Crowe

October 6, 1930 — December 4, 2020

Thomas William Crowe, 90, of Plainfield, passed away December 4, 2020. He was

born October 6, 1930 to the late Ebron and Ruby (Sinders) Crowe in Jasonville, IN.

He was a master tool and die maker at Hamblen Gage Corporation until 1969

when he started his own company, Component Machine. Tom also farmed 100

acres on his homestead in Plainfield and 40 acres on his Jasonville property where

he shared many happy memories fishing, boating, and relaxing with family and

friends. Tom loved his family, farming his land, growing his business, ping pong,

corn hole, darts, the morning Jumble, and President Trump. But most of all he

loved his darling wife, Donna, who was by his side for 69 years. He was

heartbroken 3 months ago when she passed away, and now he will get to spend

Christmas with her in heaven. They will be serenading each other each day with

“You Are My Sunshine” while Donna performs her signature dance moves.

The following tribute, written by Tom’s grandson, Buddy Shrum, describes Tom’s

life to perfection.

Life is a Barn

Life is a barn.

A foundation is laid. Timbers are cut and hewn, and a frame takes shape.

Many hands shape and mold this structure. One day in the hot summer sun it stands

completed, strong and proud. It says I will protect everything that is important and dear in your

life.

Years pass. Children run and laugh in the hay mow. This monolith of the land sees celebrations

when harvests are good. It also sees disappointments when times are tough, yet still it is there

and sturdy.

Times change. Mules and horses are replaced by tractors and machines. No matter, the wind

and rain and snow are kept out and life moves on.

Eventually the family farm is sold to become part of a larger farm. The barn’s usefulness wanes

and not many seem to visit anymore. The whitewash starts to fade, the boards begin to warp

and some of the foundation begins to crack but still it holds on.

One day the elements are too much and it falls apart returning to the earth from whence it

came. The old stone foundation crumbles and the cypress timbers lay upon the ground. If you

listen closely you can hear in the wind, I was here, I existed, I stood strong and knew my place.

Life is a barn.

Tom is survived by a daughter, Cindy L. (Bud) Shrum and two sons, Thomas W.

(Julie) Crowe Jr., and Greg A. (Kathy) Crowe; two brothers, Charles and John

Crowe; and 6 grandchildren, Buddy Shrum, Amanda Leon, Stephanie Ferrell,

Mackenzie Crowe, Madison Crowe, and Megan Groninger. There will be no

calling or services, but a family celebration of life for both Tom and Donna will be

scheduled at a later date.

Arrangements by Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield.

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