Robert Edgar Crown

Bob Crown was a third generation Florida native. He was born in Morton Plant Hospital on August 21, 1946 and died in Morton Plant on December 24, 2018. The third son of William E. Crown, Jr and Nancy Hazel Flowers, it was no secret they were hoping for a girl (third time’s the charm and all that), thus Bob was affectionately referred to as “Nancy” throughout Hazel’s pregnancy. Upon his birth and before saying, “It’s a boy,” the doctor softened the news by saying, “I think Billy and Ronny will be happy.” Bobby was the typical third child who quickly won the hearts of his family with his calm, easy-going charm and sunny disposition. He enjoyed a wonderful childhood learning what all the Crowns learned early. Good things happen on the water…fishing, stone crabbing, skiing. He drove a boat long before he drove a car and earned spending money by selling bait fish he caught in his cast net.

He attended University of Florida, pledged Sigma Nu (often reminding us he was the “chaplain” of this notorious group). He remained a Gator throughout his life although he received his accounting degree from Florida State. After graduation he moved to Miami to work with Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co. as a CPA. Within a few months he was sent to work in the tax department of the newly opened Ft Lauderdale office. This was a propitious move for his life’s work as a tax accountant and for his love life! It was here that he met his wife of 47 years and embarked on an adventure of a lifetime. Bob and DeLene eloped to Zermatt, Switzerland to be married. Even though Bob was a new hire, he didn’t hesitate to ask for a 6 week leave of absence. After being quizzed by the partner-in-charge, Bob boldly said, “I only plan to do this once.” Permission granted! Moving back to Clearwater was a career milestone as he joined his father and brother at Crown & Company, the CPA firm founded by his father in 1946.

Moving back to Clearwater brought spiritual milestones too. Bob was blessed by loyal friends and mentors who guided him in his faith walk. Bob found his passion and his calling in helping those in difficult circumstances who needed guidance and a helping hand to become productive and economically self-sufficient. Thus, Isaiah’s Inn was established in 1988 with the Scriptural admonition to “share food and provide shelter, clothe the naked, free the oppressed.” Bob was president of Isaiah’s Inn for 28 years. Thousands were housed, clothed, educated and mentored through this ministry.

Bob’s other passion was his family…immediate, extended and those he considered family! He was Bob-O to his dad and grandchildren and was affectionately called “Uncle Bobby” by numerous others. Understated in all his ways, his “generosity of spirit, kindness toward others and unassuming friendliness were qualities that came from deep within him. The humanizing influence of his courtesy and kindness is not easy to measure, but for those who experienced it first-hand, it was hard to forget.”

Bob is survived by wife, DeLene; daughter Padgett Holloman (Drew); grandchildren, Sloan, Davis and Ellis; brother Bill III (Bette); sister-in-law Karen; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by parents Bill and Hazel and brother Ron.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 PM on Monday, January 7 at Church of the Ascension with a reception following in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice or to Children’s Home Society of Florida, Church of the Ascension or The Salvation Army.