May 20, 1940 - May 11, 2021
The memorial service for Timothy J. Crowley, 80 year-old Enid resident, is 1:30PM, Saturday, May 29, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Enid. Reverend Jerred Unruh will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Henninger-Hinson Funeral Home. A celebration of life reception will be held in Tim's honor at Oakwood Country Club immediately following the service. A time to share stories and memories of Tim.
Tim, larger than life in every way, was born May 20, 1940 to Judge Jere G. Crowley and Theresa (Flanagan) Crowley in Enid, OK. He passed away May 11, 2021. On the day Tim was born his father proudly passed out cigars inscribed “The beginning of a Sturdy Oak”. Truer words were never spoken.
He was educated in Enid attending McKinley, Taft, St. Joseph, and Emerson, graduating from Enid High School in 1958. Tim’s love of the outdoors and propensity for leadership led him to earn his Eagle scout, the highest rank in scouting, at the age of 13. At a commanding 6’4”, Tim’s athletic prowess paralleled his personality. Truly successful in all of his endeavors, he was named an Oklahoma All State left tackle, Oil Bowl MVP, and was a highly regarded Division 1 football recruit. He spent the summer of 1956 at Culver Naval Academy in Indiana with his lifelong friend, H.T. Holden, a time that sparked tales of the glory days for years to come.
Tim attended the University of Oklahoma and served as Sigma Nu rush chairman. While at OU, he met and married the mother of his three beloved children, Melanie Ann Puryear. They spent many memorable summers vacationing at Vickers Ranch in Lake City, CO. Tim undoubtedly left his mark on Enid, Oklahoma. A well regarded and trusted attorney, Tim received his Juris Doctor from The University of Tulsa College of Law in 1966, making the Dean’s List while working nights at SunRay DX. One of the great honors of his life was practicing law with his father, Jere, at Crowley and Crowley until his death in 1967. He continued his independent practice until he joined Gungoll, Jackson, Box and Devoll in 2011, of Counsel, practicing until his retirement at the age of 75.
Tim served as both President of the Great Salt Plains council of the Boy Scouts of America, and President of the Grand National Quail club. In 1981 he served as President of the Garfield County Bar Association, earning their prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. He also served on the board of First National Bank, the YMCA, Bass Baptist hospital, and was a member of The First Baptist Church of Enid. Many young men who grew up in Enid and had the privilege of having Tim coach their little league football team fondly recall the special nickname that he had for each of them.
In 1989, Tim married Dianne Hunter. He spent a great deal of his time pursuing his passions in the outdoors, creating a true sportsman’s paradise on the Cimarron River. Through years of bird dogs, shotgun shells, four-wheelers, and tall tales, Tim never ran out of wisdom to share in reflection of his escapades on that magical plot of land. Known simply as “Ringwood”. Tim’s legendary “TJC” brand welcomed friends and family to a place just as unique as the man who built it.
In his later years, Tim loved supporting his grandchildren at their many activities and sporting events, often traveling hundreds of miles to catch a game. His booming cheers from the sideline were noted by all in attendance.
A gifted orator, Tim was often asked to eulogize family, friends, and clients, and those closest to him. He would conclude with this special poem that he composed:
So from now on, especially in the Fall
When I see that sunset over the Cimarron
With hues of bright red, pink and orange
When the bluestem appears the color of rust
When the low areas between the sand hills feel a little cooler
And the shadows start to lengthen
I will think about you
And thank the good Lord for letting you pass my way
Tim is survived by his wife, Dianne; sister, Karen Fraenkel of Bloomington, IN: children, Dr. Coulter Timothy Crowley of Rancho Mirage, CA ,Theresa Paige Hefner and husband Jay of Dallas, TX, Kathleen “Katie” Ann Dupire and husband Kipp of Enid. Six grandchildren, Hope Rich and husband Jake, of Dallas, TX, Jace Hefner of Washington, DC, Graham Hefner of Oklahoma City, Hayden Dupire, Julia Dupire, and David Dupire of Enid. His step daughter Gay Lyn Frantz and her husband Brett and their family of Jackson Hole, WY.
A heartfelt thank you to the 4th floor nurses at St. Mary’s Hospital for all of their tender loving care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Tim's name to the YMCA through Henninger-Hinson Funeral Home.
Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
A United Methodist Retirement Community
Tours: 301 S. Oakwood | (580) 237-6164
Enid's Only Faith-based, Not-For-Profit, Complete Continuous Care Community. Including Long Term Care, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living Apartments and Townhomes.
