(Abilene, Texas – Aug. 26, 2024) – McMurry University extends its deepest sympathy to the friends and family of Dr. Weldon Crowley after his passing on Sunday, August 25. Dr. Crowley was a cherished member of the McMurry community, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1957 and serving on the Board of Trustees for nine years. After graduating from McMurry, Dr. Crowley married Patricia Bennett in 1958. He continued his academic journey with a Master of Divinity degree from Drew University and a doctorate in early modern European history from the University of Iowa. The couple made their home in Georgetown, Texas, beginning in 1976 and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2023. Dr. Crowley retired in 1997 after a distinguished 21-year career as a history professor at Southwestern University.
Dr. Crowley’s dedication to McMurry and its mission have left a lasting legacy. In 1998, the Gordon R. and Lola J. Bennett Award was established by Dr. Crowley, Patricia Crowley, and Mike and Sharon Bennett in honor of their parents. This award is presented annually at Commencement to a full-time faculty member for conspicuous accomplishments in furthering the aims of McMurry.
Dr. Crowley served as chair of the Presidential Search Committee in 2013 and was instrumental in hiring University President Dr. Sandra S. Harper, who has led the University for over a decade and plans to retire in 2025. He served on the board of trustees from 2006 to 2015 and was later named Trustee Emeritus.
His deep connection to McMurry University has been recognized with numerous honors celebrating his extraordinary service and philanthropy. Dr. Crowley was honored as the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus, the highest honor bestowed upon alumni by the Alumni Association on behalf of McMurry University, acknowledging the significant contributions he made to his profession, society, and McMurry University.
Both Dr. Crowley and his wife were inducted into the inaugural class of the McMurry Trailblazer Society, a giving society founded in 2018 that recognizes individuals with lifetime giving of $100,000 or more.
In 2020, Dr. Crowley and his wife received the John Wesley Award, an exclusive award that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service and philanthropy to McMurry University or to the causes and needs that complement the institution’s mission as a Christian university.
McMurry honors Dr. Crowley’s memory with gratitude for all he accomplished in service to his alma mater.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at the Lois Perkins Chapel at Southwestern University. More information can be found here.