Michael Eugene Crowdus was born on February 2, 1949 to the late Evander William Crowdus and Mattie Mable Clark Crowdus in Indianapolis, Indiana. He passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at the Greenwood Healthcare Center in Greenwood, IN.  Michael, affectionately known as "Big Mike" or "Uncle Mike" to his immediate family, entered this world with his twin sister, Mary Eugenia Crowdus.  Michael overcame many obstacles that proved to be nonsensical to many; however, he conquered heroic endeavors and achievements throughout the years.

Achievements:
Michael's achievements captivated the hearts of many, starting with the United States Air Force, and continued his amazing career journey in the following:

United States Air Force – 3202 Civil Engineering Squadron with the United States Air Force Fire Department - Ranked Airman 1st Class Michael Eugene Crowdus

Veteran Administration – Disable Veteran Specialist in Gary Indiana

Butler University – Attended Night Classes in Indianapolis, Indiana

United States Postal Service (USPS) – Official Mail Carrier in Indianapolis, Indiana

John Marshall High school – Substitute Teacher in Indianapolis, Indiana

Martin Center College – Associate Degree in Business in Indianapolis, Indiana

Finance Center in Fort Harrison – Financial Payroll Specialist for Civilians in Indianapolis

Michael has accomplished so much in his life professionally that his obituary reveals those achievements, not necessarily chronologically. However, the one that sticks out the most is when Michael joined the United States Air Force.  Michael attended Emmerich Manuel High School on the south side of Indianapolis, Indiana from 1964-1967.  While at Manuel, Michael joined the Reserve Officer Training Course (ROTC).  A neighborhood boy by the name of Chester Smith, who at the time was dating Michael's sister Evanderline, had just finished basic training and was home on military leave from the United States Air Force.  After Michael saw Chester in his military dress blues from the United States Air Force, he knew that was the branch of service he wanted to join, one day.

In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Elective Service Draft (ESD) into law, doubling that availability of enlisted service men from 17,000 to 35,000 to be drafted into the United States Army.  While a senior at Manuel High School, Michael received an Official Draft Notice (ODF) from the United States Army.  Shortly after which Michael went downtown in Indianapolis, Indiana to the Army Induction Center (AIC) on Washington Street to take both the written and physical examination for the military draft.  After Michael completed both the written and physical examine, which he passed with flying colors, Michael Eugene Crowdus enlisted into the United States Air Force on South Pennsylvania Street in downtown Indianapolis that same day.  Michael talked to the sergeant on duty afterward, excited about his decision to join the United States Air Force.

Michael Eugene Crowdus is now in the United States Air Force; and he packed a large duffel bag with all his belongings, headed for the Induction Center to report for duty.  There at the Induction Center in Indianapolis, Michael was assigned a bus to catch which would take him to the Indianapolis International Airport.  Once there at the airport, Michael boarded an Eastern Airline Jet headed to Memphis Tennessee toward Houston, Texas.  After Michael landed in Houston, the drill sergeant instructor gave all enlisted soldiers a pep talk after which they boarded busses that eventually took the enlisted men on to San Antonio, Texas at Lackland Air Force Base for basic training. The newly enlisted soldiers were assigned two Drill Sergeants (1) Air Force Technical Sergeant and (2) Staff Sergeant.  These instructors consisted of two separate individuals that dealt with different objectives.  The Drill Instructor concentrated on the Basic Military Training for six weeks who actually assigned the soldiers beds, uniforms, foot lockers and military boots.  Michael Crowdus is assigned to AF68009959, Ranked Airman 1st Class.  First Class Airman, Michael wore his dressed blues only on special occasions and while traveling home on leave to Indianapolis, Indiana or at special occasion on the military air force base.

Six months out after basic training, Michael received his orders and was assigned to the 3202 Civil Engineering Squadron with the United States Air Force Fire Department.  Michael's newly assigned job was to work as a fireman on the airport's flight line as the big military jets came end for landing. Two days out, Michael was assigned to Eglin Air Force Base which is located in Florida where he attended school on the military base in the fire department for 8 weeks of training.

Michael trained in fire protection and becoming a fire fighter.  On Eglin Air Force Base there were two kinds of fires 1) building fires and 2)plane crashes in which the firemen was sent to put out.  The military firefighters had long runways, and flight lines where planes came in to land, do emergency landing, and a tower control where the air traffic controllers contacted the Fire Department of Emergencies.

Michael's assigned job title was a hand lineman which consisted of two different types of fire trucks, O11A and O11B.  These fire trucks looked the same, but operated very differently in certain situations.  Fire Truck O11A was used to put out building fires, while Fire Truck O11B was specifically used for putting out crash fires, example planes that caught on fire and crashes of military automobiles.

The type of material that's put on a "crash fire trucks" was foam to put the fire out, specifically on plane crashes.   All military fireman personal would suit up in hazmat suits because the foam would actually burn their eyes and skin; they also wore asbestos coat uniforms that were silver in color, and the coats were long which included a helmet.  This was Michael's job in the United States Air Force Fire Department, and he treated that job with both mental and physical acuity along with an enormous amount of respect!

Michael's Hobbies:

Collecting Collectible Trains - to honor his father worked for New York Central Railroad

Collecting Old School Music - LPs and 45 Records.

Enjoyed Music by Favorite Artist - Marvin Gay, Sam Cooke, Johnnie Taylor, Michael Jackson, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, etc.

Hosting Mini Concerts in Backyard – a treat for his family & neighbors in Gary Indiana

Singing, and performing in public - at family picnics, night clubs and the Finance Center

Playing the drums - participated in 500 Mile Race Parade while at Manuel High School

Interest in Public Broadcasting - practicing with microphones and turntables

Favorite Memories with Michael:

Christmas Eve Dinners with Michael at Florene's house - the grandchildren wouldn't eat until Uncle Mike arrived.  They adored him something crazy!

Shopping with Michael was a pleasure and an amazing adventure – when and where ever Michael planted his feet, he created joy and acceptance cause he simply loved people.

Lesson Learned - It's the character of the person that mattered most to him.

Sharing His Love for Live Instruments - encourage others to enjoy music, as well; remarks from nephew Tony Smith, "Rest in peace James Brown."

Michaels' Twin Sister - Mary, Michael's twin sister wants everyone to know that her twin brother was a very special person who shined like a welcoming precious diamond, everywhere he went.  Michael's kindness was contagious, and he will be truly missed.

Candid Moments:

Giving Back – Michael was a quiet philanthropist who gave money to marginal people standing on street corners asking for money.  He could never get to his destination for handing out money to each and every person that asked for help.  Our brother gave to any one in need, sometimes it was food directly out of his freezer.

Michael's Famous Quotes – "There's more where that came from," Michael would say about money." I love them; they are my family, mother, father, sister, brother, cousin, nephew, etc.," Michael expressed always if there was a disagreement or a misunderstand.

Michael's Undesirable Attributes:

Michael wasn't a handy man, not in the least.  One summer day I asked Michael to come over to my house and help me put my new barbeque pit together.  My husband was out of town, and Michael agreed to take on the challenge.  However, when I handed Michael the instructions; he looked perplex as how to begin.  Well, I left him to read the instructions.  But, when I came back Michael was playing music and have a grand old time.  So, I had to put the barbeque pit together, alone.  "You can do it, girl," Michael would yell, encouraging me to get it done.  After I finished, I placed a slap of ribs and corn on the fire, I left Michael to watch it while I took a shower.  When I came back, Michael had the music blasting, singing and dancing all over my patio.  The flames were reaching the sky, and my 285 pound brother had my patio rocking like he was at a rock concert.  I scream, "Michael what are you doing; you are about to knock my patio down and burn my meat up."  "Sorry, he yelled back," with that forgiving grin he flashes when he's done something wrong.

Michael's Family:

Michael Crowdus is survived by his ex-wife, Avis Campbell who resides in Fort Worth, Texas and their six children, along with both numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Michaels' Children:  David Earle Crowdus, Shana Louise Crowdus, Ryan Evander Crowdus, Charity Darice Crowdus, Selena Antoinette Crowdus, and Geraldine Michelle Crowdus.

Michaels' Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren: Montrell Lavorge Essix, Rebecca Lashay Smith, Leonte Jerome Smith, Marceaus Trevhea Smith, Jatoria Mone' Crowdus Gray, Julian Carter Crowdus, Dominique Lamar Crowdus, Shantell Lynn Crowdus, Gavi ketora Crowdus' Deonte Crowdus and Da'Shlan Smith.

Michael's Siblings:

Michael was preceded in death by his older brother, Linwood Beauchamp, Jr. and two older sisters, Lettie Mae Britt and Geraldine Crowdus-Hawkins.  He is survived by his five siblings, Evanderline Campbell (James), Roger Crowdus (Ruth), Florene Allen (Jimmy), Mary E. Crowdus, and Jerry N. Crowdus, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends.

Bible Verses:

Michael cherished the Holy Bible, and he could recite many verses by memory.  One of his favored verses is the Beatitudes:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.  5:5 Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth.  5:5 Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God.  5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:3-8)

Michael followed those rules as if they were sketched in his mind permanently and this wonderful gracious man worshiped our heavenly Father Jesus Christ with passion and vivid emotions.  Unmistakably, Michael was a true Christian and a follower of God.  Michael, having experienced being poor as a child, has mourned as we all do at times.  He has always been meek and humble and without resistance.  He was a peacemaker who was sometimes persecuted for righteousness, yet he was what you would call a man pure of heart.  I truly believe that our brother will find God on his final journey waiting to salute His fallen soldier at the golden gate, a place where the birds sings softly as Angels spread their wings welcoming Mr. Crowdus home.  Michael's Legacy should be that our brother has humbled himself while measured to a level of understanding and appreciation of others, his entire life.  And, if we could stand on his shoulders and achieve such eloquence and respect that Michael has exhibited and acquired, then the world would be a better place.  Amen!

Pastor Gerrard Hubbard will conduct a service on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 1PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN with military honors to be conducted by the United States Air Force Honor Guard and the Greenwood & New Whiteland Honor Guard and will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com/obituary/michaelcrowdus .  Visitation will be Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 11AM until service time at the mortuary.  Burial will be at Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Madison, IN.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.  Information 317-738-0202.