William W. Crowder, PhD

William W. Crowder, PhD., 99, of Lafayette passed away Thursday, October 13, 2022 at Franciscan East Hospital in Lafayette, IN. Bill was born September 19, 1923 in a log cabin near Brighton, AL to the late William and Alta (Waldrop) Crowder. He attended Concord Elementary School from 1st – 8th grade. He then attended and graduated from Hueytown High School in 1940. He went on to graduate from Howard College (now Samford University) in 1944. He received his masters from Utah State University. Bill attended the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He served as a Baptist minister over several years for three small churches that struggled to pay him through the offerings received. Since he could not support himself in the ministry, he returned to continue his education. He became a teacher in a one room school in Southern Indiana in the 1950s. Some of the students whom he taught, became two of his good friends. Those students, Nancy and Charles married and sadly, Charles passed just recently. Always wishing to improve, Bill continued his education and ultimately earned his Ph.D. in Education from Indiana University. He was adjunct professor at the University of Arizona from 1959-1961 and then adjunct Professor at Whitter College from 1961-1962. Bill went on to teach methods courses in Social Studies in the Education department at Purdue University for 29 years. While teaching at Purdue, he published his first textbook – “Persistent-Problems Approach to Elementary Social Studies”. He also published 75 journal articles and spoke in five different conventions across the country. Bill was very thankful that his education enabled him to have a good life. He was a very warm and caring person, friend and family member, who has helped many people in his lifetime. He was genuinely loved by many and will be greatly missed. Surviving is his nephew Milton Johnston, niece Judy Johnston, great-niece Ginger and great-nephew James. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister Mary Johnston and great-nephew Geoff. A Graveside service will be held at 11am on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Bessemer, AL. Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralserivce.com

William W. Crowder, PhD

September 19, 1923 - October 13, 2022