William DeForrest Crowell Jr.

William DeForrest Crowell, Jr. March 24, 1938 - July 3, 2025 William DeForrest Crowell, Jr. beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the age of 87. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 24, 1938, the son of William D. and Monica (Dionysius) Crowell, Sr. Bill married Karma Jo Berry in St. Louis on September 22, 1973. She predeceased him in 2011. Bill’s early years were marked by curiosity and a strong academic foundation. He attended Rossman School and graduated from St. Louis Country Day School in 1955. He went on to earn a degree in Physics from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1959, where he was a proud member of Alpha Chi Rho fraternity. While at Trinity, he learned to fly airplanes and play the bagpipes-two lifelong passions. He earned his MBA from Washington University in St. Louis in 1961 and also served in the Army Reserves for six months. Bill began his career at McDonnell Douglas in the Automation Company, where he was part of the pioneering efforts to develop computer systems and services for commercial clients. After three years, he left to become the Data Processing Manager at a local finance firm but returned to McDonnell Douglas two years later. He remained there for the next 30 years, retiring in 1991 after a fulfilling and impactful career. A self-proclaimed bachelor, Bill’s world changed forever in 1969 when he met the love of his life, Karma Jo, through cherished lifelong friends. Their connection was instant and enduring, and four years later, they were married-beginning a beautiful life together in Lincolnshire, Illinois. It was there they welcomed their daughter, Kristin, before eventually making their home in St. Louis, Missouri. A man of many talents and interests, Bill was a lifelong learner and adventurer. He held a deep love for amateur radio, billiards, skydiving, flying, bagpipes, model trains, and racing Lightning sailboats. He and his wife Karma traveled extensively across the globe and also crisscrossed the U.S. and Canada in their motorhome. They loved cheering on the St. Louis Blues hockey team. Bill was an avid reader, a thoughtful writer, and a passionate explorer of ideas. He delighted in good food and was famous among friends and family for enjoying a very dry martini or a nice Scotch. Beyond his professional and personal accomplishments, Bill gave generously of his time and talents. He contributed alongside his wife meaningfully to the Assistance League, always seeking to better the lives of others and support his wife’s passion for philanthropy. Above all, Bill was a devoted family man. He was a wonderful father to his daughter, Kristin, and a loving, devoted husband to Karma Jo. Nothing brought him greater joy than being “G-Pa” to his grandsons, William John (Will) and Charles Thomas (Charlie), with whom he shared many stories, hobbies, and adventures. He is survived by his daughter Kristin (Mark) Hatch, his grandsons Will and Charlie, his sister Janet Crowell Herr, and his nephews and niece: Thomas (Jen) Herr, Matt (Jacky)Berry, and Kelly Berry (Abraham) Vorster. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Karma Jo, and many dear family members and friends with whom he now reunites. Bill lived life with intellect, humor, generosity, and spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know and love him. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Assistance League of St. Louis in Bill’s honor https://alstl.org/donate. Private burial in Bellerive Gardens Cemetery in Creve Coeur, MO. The family would like to especially thank the staff at Prairieview at the Garlands in Barrington, Illinois as well as the wonderful and caring staff at JourneyCare Hospice.

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William DeForrest Crowell Jr.

March 24, 1938 - July 3, 2025