ANKENY, Iowa—Francis Crown, a former pastor, died on Jan. 20, 2010, at Sunny View Care Center in Ankeny, Iowa, from complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was 87.
Francis graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 1945. A pastor, he ministered at Winifred Baptist Church, Winifred, Kan. (1945–49); Calvary Baptist Church, Phillipsburg, Kan. (1949–54); Utica Baptist Church, Utica, Ill. (1954–59); First Baptist Church, Creston, Iowa (1959–71); and Urbandale Baptist Church, Des Moines, Iowa (1974–85).
Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Hazel, and his only brother, Fred Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Evelyn; five children, Barbara Haley, Timothy, Karen Houghton, David, and Pamela Schmerse; 12 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Jan. 25 at Ankeny Baptist Church. Services will be held Jan. 26 at Ankeny Baptist Church with interment at Ankeny Memorial Gardens.
