Oscar W. Crow

On October 29, 2025, the world lost an exceptional human being. Oscar “Willis” Crow, 84, of Hanover, Pennsylvania, passed quietly at home in the company of his loving family. They were blessed with the chance to say goodbye.

Willis was born in Lyles, Tennessee, on September 2, 1941, to Arthur David Crow and Bertie Lucille (Littleton) Crow. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Alice (Strahin) Crow, who he married on his 20th birthday.

Following his high school graduation in Nashville (home of his beloved old school country music), he immediately enlisted in the Army on his 18th birthday, serving primarily in Fort Meade, Maryland. He was honorably discharged to the position of Analyst for the Department of Defense at age 21, from which he retired in 1996.

After leaving home, he continued to care for his parents from 700 miles away, keeping their house in good repair and supporting them financially.

Throughout his adult life, his imagination spun fantastical project ideas, which he brought to life thanks to his work ethic, construction skills, artistic talent, and perfectionism (along with a tireless and willing spouse). He moved many times, extensively renovating each home. When he built something, it could withstand an earthquake.

He retired to Hanover, where he remodeled his home and took on major projects at his children’s homes. In addition to building their decks and the like, he and Mary created amazing play areas in their grandchildren’s homes. At their own home, they built a giant swingset, as well as a dinosaur mountain and sandbox.

Listing all of his many projects would fill up the internet. Suffice to say he had projects ongoing up until the week before he passed.

He poured his heart into everything he did, also bringing joy through his cooking and baking. He did most of the household cooking and happily cooked for large gatherings. He once fed over 20 family members in a beach house for a week – every meal, every snack.

He did have an annoying habit of improving on others’ favorite recipes. It’s possible some of his children withheld recipes just to keep him from outshining them.

He wasn’t an “outdoorsman,” but he took pleasure in nature and wildlife, regularly feeding every creature around his home next to Codorus and walking along the nearby creek. He enjoyed gardening, even though his animal friends usually showed up to eat his flowers and vegetables. He captured sunrises he found remarkable in photos and eagerly shared his first glimpse of a flake at the start of every snowstorm.

Writing was another outlet. He dreamed of publishing a children’s book he wrote about a pig named Chucksilli, and he had lots of fans on Facebook reading his musings. They followed the quirky, sarcastic, and sometimes biting humor of his regular posts – until he ended up in Facebook jail (which he lamented (but proudly)).

He was a voracious reader of thrillers, both serious and funny. You could always find a fresh paperback face down next to his bed. He was a huge fan of Stephanie Plum, but couldn’t help asking with each novel, “How long does a hamster live, anyway?”

On top of all of his skills and talent, he was known for his whimsical and awe-inspiring collection of pig-related items of every sort – an interest that exploded after his retirement. He kept meticulous track of them and displayed them by category on shelves he made covering the walls, windows, doors, bathroom fixtures, and even the floors and ceilings of his home. He was fortunate to have a partner who embraced his collection, allowing it to take over. In his final days, his collection numbered well over 20,000, breaking the current world record by several thousand.

For many years he and Mary yard-saled hardcore, hitting every sale possible. They searched for pig collectibles, supplied just about anything his children challenged them to find, and showered their grandchildren with clothing, toys, and books. He also foraged for items to sell on eBay, a vocation that he, of course, pursued with a passion. He was a regular at every thrift shop in the area, and had a slight buying addiction to eBay, as well.

Oscar Willis Crow did nothing halfway. Ever.

In addition to his wife, Mary, Willis is survived by his four children: Arthur Crow (Melinda) of Gwynn Oak, Maryland, Joni Gonzales (Scott) of Hanover, Sarah Koontz (Scott) of New Oxford, and Mary Stahl of Mt. Wolf; his nine grandchildren: Erik Gonzales (Nicole), Stephen Crow, Braeden Gonzales, Timothy Crow, Melody Camelia, Chane Gonzales, Jesse Koontz (Kinsey), Nyah Stahl (Diego), and Leroy Stahl; and his two great-grandchildren: Jameson and Colton Gonzales. He is also survived by a caring extended family based in Tennessee who visited, prayed, and sent love during his last illness. His Tennessee family includes his niece, Debora Clark, who drove up to help nurse him in his final days.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, David Crow, and three sisters: Ada Wittenmyer, Barbara Hensley, and Macel Louise Wilson.

His family would like to thank Dr. Atizazul Mansoor at UPMC Harrisburg for his kindness and compassion, the UPMC Harrisburg CT ICU for their attentive care, as well as the Visiting Nurse Association of Hanover for making Willis as comfortable as possible in his last days.

Oscar Willis Crow was a good man with a tender heart who deserves the best of whatever comes next. He lived a meaningful life and left a legacy of intelligence, creativity, humor, and love for his family. May he find peace.

A private family celebration of life is being planned. In lieu of flowers, his family would appreciate any comments you would like to leave below in remembrance of Willis’s life.

Arrangements are with Brandenburg & Stein Funeral Parlor, 3045 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA. To sign the online guestbook and leave condolences please go to www.gettysburgfunerals.com.