Brian Scott Crow

Brian Scott Crow, 68, of Willard, KS, passed away on October 9th, 2026, having lived exactly the kind of simple life he intended. He was born to Neil and JoAnn (Dudney) Crow, July 19, 1958 in Topeka, but Dover is where his foundation was poured.

Brian was a man of firm convictions and few possessions. By trade, he was a concrete finisher, and one of the best around. His work is still holding strong all over the state of Kansas as are the lifelong friendships he made along the way.

He was an avid coon hunter, although he hadn't hunted in a coon's age. He also excelled at baseball and slow-pitch softball. Anyone who ever saw him play shortstop will tell you he was a force to be reckoned with.

He was a devoted hand fisherman, a pursuit that was not legal when he first took it up. Brian maintained that the fish never filed a complaint. Whatever the law had to say about it, he stuck with it, and the statute of limitations has long since run out, so the family would like it noted that he was ahead of his time. One local farmer once told him "Brian, I don't want to catch you hand fishing in Mission Creek." Brian responded, "oh you won't catch me"!

Brian was also a bit of a poet. Those who know, know it. Those who don’t, well, we're sorry you missed out but it probably kept your kid out of the principal’s office. As a niece once journaled in school, "my uncle told me not to eat yellow snow."

Brian had a keen eye and loved capturing moments in photographs, which meant he was usually behind the camera and not in the picture. Somewhere out there is a lifetime of snapshots, and if you’re lucky, you’re in one.

He spent more days than anyone could count on Mission Creek. Whether he was fishing, searching for arrowheads, or simply being there, the creek was where he was happiest.

Brian is survived by his parents, sisters; Stacey (Everett) Moddie, Sharna Crow, Kerri (James) Yocum, Brother-in-law, Kent Hannigan and nieces and nephews, which usually had nicknames given to them by Uncle Brian. He will be missed by numerous cousins, friends, and loved ones. He was preceded in death by a brother, Gary, in 1960; a niece, Mariah Hannigan; and a sister, Melanie Hannigan.

In keeping with his wishes, which he stated plainly and without room for negotiation, “Cremate me & dump me off of Sage’s bridge into Mission Creek.” The family intends to honor this to the letter. Anyone fishing downstream is advised that it’s just Brian, and he’s finally gotten the best catch of all.

A gathering to celebrate his life will be held on Sunday, October 18th, 2026 at the Dover Community Center from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Bring a story, a fishing tale (embellishments encouraged). Disbursement of ashes will follow at 6:30 at Sage's Bridge. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Brian's memory to Echo Cliff Park c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.