Eastland – Setsuko Minamoto Crowder left her home here on earth, and went to be with the Lord on January 26th, 2025. Setsuko was born September 21, 1937, in Okiorabu, Japan. She was the youngest of five children. Her parents were Sakimori and Haru Minamoto.
In 1957, while working as a nurse at Okuyana Hospital in Okinawa, Setsuko met Tom Crowder, who was stationed there while serving in the United States Marines. They began dating and on August 11, 1958, they were married.
On October 1, 1958, they left Japan and headed to America. They landed in Long Beach, California and were met there by Tom’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Murray Crowder of Joshua, Texas. They all returned to Joshua where Tom and Setsuko made their home for 10 years. While there, Setsuko became a member of the United Methodist Church and became very active in the Garden Club and other church activities.
In 1970, Tom was again transferred, this time to Eastland, Texas, where they continued to live. They joined the United Methodist Church, and as always, Setsuko began to get involved in all church activities.
Setsuko loved to cook, and was known to everyone for her famous apple pies and Japanese Fried Rice, as well as many other delightful dishes. She loved to play games and to entertain friends and family.
In addition to all of her fun hobbies, Setsuko worked as a nurse and also taught nursing in Eastland, Ranger and DeLeon for a total of 23 years. In December 1982, she was awarded the position of part-time instructor at Ranger College, School of Nursing.
Many people called her “Sunshine,” as she was always a breath of fresh air.
Setsuko was preceded in death by her husband, Tom D. Crowder; son, Douglas Eddie Crowder; her parents; three sisters and one brother.
She is survived by son, Tom D. Crowder II; grandson, Josh Crowder and wife, Kristi, and grandson, Gage Crowder; granddaughter, Jamie Dawn Bridges and husband, Josh; great-grandchildren, Teagan, Brinlee and Riggin Crowder; sister-in-law, Sara Crowder and multiple nieces and nephews and a host of friends. She will be missed by all.
Funeral services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home – Eastland. The funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 2:00PM at the First Methodist Church in Eastland with Rev. Dale Wilbanks officiating, interment will follow at Eastland City Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 6:00PM until 8:00PM. at Edwards Funeral Home.
