It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Weldon Samuel Crowley, a Southwestern University professor emeritus and a devoted family man. Weldon passed away peacefully on August 25, 2024. He was 89 years old.

Weldon was born on July 1, 1935, in Kerens, Texas, to Samuel and Vera Crowley, and was the youngest of five children. In his pursuit of higher education he earned a bachelor of arts in English from McMurry University, in Abilene, TX, a master's degree in Divinity from Drew University, in Madison, NJ, followed by his ordination from the United Methodist Church. At the University of Iowa, Weldon completed a master's degree and doctorate in history.

Throughout his life, Weldon happily performed weddings, baptisms, and funerals for friends and family, but he viewed college-level teaching as his ultimate ministry. His career spanned 33 years and his commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering learning environment left an indelible mark on students and colleagues at each of the institutions where he taught. This included Callison College at the University of the Pacific, in Stockton, CA, where he served as director of Callison's study center in Bangalore, India. He taught at Florida Southern College, in Lakeland, FL, and then spent 21 years at Southwestern University, in Georgetown, TX, holding the Lucy King Brown endowed Chair in History.

Weldon's involvement with academic institutions extended beyond the classroom and he was voted "outstanding professor" at the universities where he taught. While at Southwestern, he developed three Brown Symposia and spent a month each summer doing research at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. In retirement, he continued his annual pilgrimage to the Folger, and served on the Board of Trustees at McMurry University for nine years. He received McMurry's Distinguished Alumni Award and its John Wesley Award.

As a lifelong champion of civil rights, Weldon was recognized each year as being amongst the longest, most consistent participants in Georgetown's annual observation of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a competitive racquetball player and an avid supporter of the Southwestern University baseball team. In retirement, he faithfully followed the team for years, rarely missing a home or away game. As testament to his commitment, players installed a special plaque bearing his likeness on the home field dugout. Weldon was inducted into Southwestern's Athletics Hall of Fame in a special category for non-athletic individuals who make extraordinary contributions to Pirates' athletics.

Weldon's greatest joy, however, was his family. He was a loving husband to Pat (Bennett) Crowley for 66 years and a devoted father to daughter, Lisa Feinstein and husband Elliot; son, Gregory Crowley and wife Holly King; grandson, Ethan Feinstein and wife Brianna Barton; grandson, Ben Crowley; and his great-grandson, River Barton Feinstein, each of whom were a constant source of pride and happiness. In addition to his immediate family, Weldon's influence and love was felt by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mike and Sharon Bennett, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his four siblings.

Weldon leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and resilience. He logged 52 years of sobriety as an active Friend of Bill. His memory will forever be cherished by those who knew him, and his contributions to society will not be forgotten.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at the Lois Perkins Chapel at Southwestern University. The family invites you to join them for a reception, immediately following, in the Bishops Lounge in the McCombs Center (next to the chapel). The family will hold the inurnment at 3:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Georgetown.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Southwestern University, McMurry University, the Wesleyan, or a charity of your choice.

Messages of condolence may be written on www.RamseyFuneral.com .