COLUMBIANA – Roger Lee Crowell, 72, formerly of Columbiana, died Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at his home in Alliance.
He was born on August 10, 1950 in Salem, the son of the late James and Jean McMillan Crowell of Lisbon. A 1968 graduate of David Anderson High School in Lisbon, Roger earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Mount Union University in 1972. While at Mount Union, he played football for all four years, learned golf, was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, and was active on the Interfraternity Council.
The first eight years of his career were spent as a history teacher and coach at Columbiana High School. Then Roger followed his passion and entrepreneurial spirit to start Crowell Construction in 1980. For the next 42 years, until his death, he owned and operated his own business and was known statewide as a leading builder.
Master craftsman and carpenter, Roger was committed to quality workmanship, and a favorite quote was, “Quality is never an accident. It is the result of perfectionism. Because of this guiding principle, he has worked tirelessly to improve the professionalism of the entire building trade through countless hours as a volunteer and leader with the Home Builders and Renovators Association of The valley. Roger has served many terms as President of the HBA of the Valley and has been a Lifetime Trustee, Member and Lifetime Director of the Ohio Home Builders Association (OHBA), served on the OHBA Executive Committee and has was a director of the National Association of Home Builders. In 2001 he was named HBA Builder of the Year and also won several HBA Excellence Awards for his work.
Roger also served on the Columbiana County Planning Commission for many years; was a member of the planning committee for the town of Columbiana; served many years as President of the Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce, and as Chairman of the Columbiana Renovation and Restoration Committee, he was instrumental in the revitalization of downtown Columbiana and the revival of the annual fireworks festival.
Although he filled various roles and accomplished many things throughout his life, his most treasured role was that of “Father” and “Pennsylvania” and he would tell you without a doubt that his children and grandchildren were his greatest accomplishments. They were the light of his life. But, nothing put a smile on his face like his grandchildren, especially when they shouted “Pennsylvania” and came running for a hug when he arrived. Watching her children and grandchildren grow over the years has given her immense happiness. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with his family and always supported them through their various endeavors. He was, without a doubt, a proud father and grandfather who loved his family immensely.
Roger also enjoyed golfing with friends and his three daughters, playing golf league at the Valley Golf Course, and was an avid reader of history and politics. He was a proud supporter of Mount Union football and enjoyed attending sporting events of all kinds, including his grandchildren’s games.
Roger is survived by his three daughters, McKenzie (Steve) Cross of Poland, Chelsea (Mitch) McGuckin of Columbiana and Caitlin Crowell of Avon Lake; sister, Dona (James) West of Leetonia; brother, Keith (Susan) Crowell of Lisbon; sister-in-law, Marcie Crowell of Salem; six grandchildren, Adelyn McGuckin, Asher McGuckin, Sullivan Cross, Jacoby Cross, Quenton Cross and Xathon Cross; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Barry Crowell.
The family will receive friends on Monday, October 3, 2022 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Warrick Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana, and on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Services will be held on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana, with Pastor Kari Lankford officiating.
Family and friends can view this obituary and send their condolences to www.familycareservices.com.
10/01/22