Richard Clay Crenwelge

Richard Clay Crenwelge was born in Bryson to Richard and Anna Mae Crenwelge on Monday, April 21, 1930. During his early years the family followed the oilfields, sometimes living in tents, sometimes living with friends and family until housing was available.

The family finally settled in Hawkins where Richard graduated from Hawkins High School in 1947. After high school he attended North Texas State College, graduating with a degree in accounting. Richard joined the Navy right after college in 1951. The same year he married Joan Carolyn Sanders of Hawkins.

After his tour in the Navy, Richard and Joan moved to Venezuela where Richard began his career in the oil and gas industry. At age 28 he was owner of his own wire line company in Venezuela, South America. After Venezuela they moved to Canada. They also lived in Singapore where Richard was managing director of APSCO Oilfield Services. He finished his career in Anchorage, Alaska. He retired in 1992 and moved back to Hawkins. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church until August of this year. He and Joan moved to Longview.

Richard is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joan Sanders Crenwelge; children, Darlene Bartram and husband Larry, Donna Wisor and husband Jeff, Richard Clay III, Dee Ann Winslett and husband Wes; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind one brother, William Carl Crenwelge and wife Betty, and one sister, Lila Mae Hallmark.

Services are scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27 at First United Methodist Church in Hawkins. Arrangements are with Beaty Funeral Home of Hawkins