Byron "B" Crown

of Wall, South Dakota, died on Monday, March 29, 2010
at the Rapid City Regional Hospital under Hospice Care after courageously battling brain cancer for three years at the age of 37

 Byron was never one to complain, and always had a smile for everyone.

He was born June 27, 1972 in Rapid City, SD, to Merlin and Betty (Good) Crown. He grew up in Wall, SD, receiving his K-12 education there and graduated from Wall High School in 1991. After graduating he attended Lake Area VoTech in Watertown and Western Dakota Technical Institute in Rapid City for Auto Body Repair.

Raised on the family farm south of Wall, he started farming and driving tractor at an early age. He worked alongside his grandpa Merle, his father Merlin, Uncle Alvin, and cousin BJ. Many nights you could find Byron at the Crown shop working alongside many friends and family members on different projects. They would finish work early on Fridays to attend the races at Black Hills Speedway.

Racing was always a family event and the deep love of racing became his passion. He enjoyed off-road Baja racing and racing go-carts with Uncle Doug. He started racing mini-sprints in 2004 at Black Hills Speedway and had support from his wife, family, and many friends.

He loved to watch NASCAR races. Jeff Gordon was his #1 Driver, and cheering for Gordon caused lots of rivalry discussions with family and friends. Byron had the pleasure of attending several NASCAR races. He was an avid bowler learning the skills from his dad, his Grandpa Crown, and Uncles Alvin, Doug, and Gale. Hunting also became a passion for Byron as a youngster sharing those moments especially with dad, BJ and Daryl. Byron lived life to its fullest and would want us ALL to do the same.

Byron was united in marriage to Lisa Baker on October, 23, 1998 in Spearfish, SD. The wedding was an event that most will never forget. Lisa was his best friend, soul mate and the love of his life. They made their home in Rapid City, SD in 1999 where Byron worked for Black Hills Fibercom for 6 years. In 2005, Byron accepted a position with
DM&E Railroad as their signal maintainer. He worked there for 2 ½ years until he became ill and was no longer able to work.
Byron loved his jobs and the people for whom he worked.

He was a long time member of Wall Methodist Church and later transferred to the Canyon Lake United Methodist Church in Rapid City.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Lisa Crown of Rapid City; his special pet, Winston (who was always by his side), his parents Merlin and Betty Crown of Wall, SD; a sister Deanna and her husband Mikel Hauge and their children, Breanna and Bailey of Aberdeen, SD; in-laws Kim and Patti Coe and Don Baker all from Sturgis, SD; Jason and Aimee (Baker) Paulson and their daughter Macee of Wall, SD; grandparents Lee and Eleanor Wright, Mary Baker, Vernon Coe and Janet Coe all of Sturgis, SD and a host of other special relatives and friends.

Byron was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Alfred and Peggy Good; paternal grandparents, Merle and Verle Crown; uncles Richard “Dick” Kjerstad and Paul Nohrenberg, Trent Coe, Al Kopp and Leo Baker.

Visitation was held Thursday evening, April 1, from 5-7 pm with a short prayer service held at 7:00 p.m., all at the Wall United Methodist Church. This will be a time of sharing memories with family and friends.

Funeral services were held 10:00 am on Friday, April 2, at Canyon Lake United Methodist Church in Rapid City, with Pastor Eric Grinager and Pastor Rebecca Trefz officiating.

Burial followed  at Wall Cemetery, in Wall, SD with lunch at the Wall Methodist Church afterward.

Memorial donations can be made to "Byron Crown Memorial Fund" at any Black Hills Federal Credit Union location.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Friday, April 2, 2010 - 10:00 a.m.
Canyon Lake Methodist Church
Rapid City, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Eric Grinager
Pastor Rebecca Trefz
MUSIC
Tom Ramirez - Vocalist
“If Tomorrow Never Comes”
PALLBEARERS
Brian Cavanaugh - Brent Banning - Doug Crown
BJ Dartt - Jamie Pahl - Jason Kelly
Jason Paulsen - Daryl Dartt
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Wall Cemetery
Wall, South Dakota
Deanna Kammerer - Vocalist

Service Details

Visitation: Thursday evening, April 1, from 5-7 pm at the Wall United Methodist Church. 
Prayer Service:  7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 1, at the Wall United Methodlist Church
Funeral services: 10:00 am on Friday, April 2, at Canyon Lake United Methodist Church in Rapid City.
Interment: Wall Cemetery

Guest Book

Keep the memories alive as they will help you get through these dark days! Byron will forever have a special place in my heart!! You all are in my thoughts and prayers! God's Blessings to everyone!
   ~ Pam Eisenbraun-Blankenship Sioux Falls, SD
Lisa you and your family are in our thoughts & prayers. I know Byron was a very special person to my brother Bill & Sister Shannon and to alot of other people. Keep family & friends near to help you through this tough time.
   ~ Melony (Konst)Gyles Murdo SD
Dear Betty, Merlin & family,
Our hearts go out to you. You made it possible for Byron to live a full life every day. He is healed now and there will be a "great reunion" one day. Meanwhile know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. God will sustain you, bless & keep you.

   ~ Kenny & Lyndy Ireland Philip, SD
May you find comfort in your memories.
   ~ Don & Susie Cuppy Mitchell
Lisa, Merlin & Betty and the whole Crown Family,
Our hearts go out to you all! Byron was a very special person to each and every one of you, each in own certain way. You guys are an awesome family and you will get through this, it may not seem so now, but it will happen. Let God guide you! If you need anything let us know we will be glad to help! Take care and God Bless!!

   ~ Heather & Justin Schreiber Wall
Dear Lisa,
Our hearts go out to you, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of Byron. He was a wonderful man with a smile that could warm your heart. God bless and if you need anything please let us know and we would be glad to help!

   ~ Toby & Jessica Wagner Quinn
TO THE ENTIRE CROWN FAMILY,
YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY.

   ~ KARI R WELSH ANCHORAGE, AK
I did not know Bryon personally but want to extend my heartfelt sympathy to his whole family. Take comfort in knowing he is in a peaceful place now without pain. Your loss will heal but you will have wonderful memories. May God be with you.
   ~ Betty Bryan Rapid City
May the Lord Be With You Now and Always. May you always remember the wonderful memories that were shared with Byron.
   ~ Fawna Geigle Enid, OK
Lisa,
You have my deepest sympathy in your loss of Byron. He certainly fought a gallant battle!! I know that you will miss him terribly, but hang on to the wonderful memories that you two shared.
Please call me if you need a shoulder or anything else!!
Peg Halda
DM&E Railroad

   ~ Peg Halda Sioux Falls, SD
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family during this difficult time. Cherish all the wonderful memories.
   ~ Jared & Cheryl Hook Philip
Uncle Merlin, Aunt Betty,Deanna, and Lisa
I am so sorry to hear about B he was a great guy. I know that this is a very difficult time for you all, just know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

God Bless and love you all
Tana


   ~ Tana (Kukal) OConnor Belle Fourche
I am so sorry for your loss. What a strong person Byron was. He gave a good fight and won many friends on the way. God bless you.
   ~ Rita (Barber) Sutton Ludlow SD
Lisa, our heart felt prayers go out to you and your families. Good times will always be in our memories of Byron.
   ~ Lisa Schieffer Sturgis, SD
Merlin, Betty, Deanna, and Lisa
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of B. He was really a super guy and was a fighter to the end. I remember having lots of great times with my cousin as we were growing up. He always wore a smile and had a great out look on life, even in the toughest times. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. I will always remember the great times and the memories shall never fade. My prayers are with all of you at this difficult time, and the lord took his suffering and he now is at peace. Love always. Kristi

   ~ Kristi (Spears) Stevahn 700 N Mill St #106 Creswell Or 97426
Dear Merlin and Betty and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Byron. Know you are being thought of and prayed for. Our love and sympathy,
Tom and Kamie

   ~ Tom and Kamie Carmichael 229 Bert St. , Delta Co. 81416
To the Crown Families, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time.
   ~ Joe & Betty Barrie Turton SD
To the Crown family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Cancer is a terrible thing and can take our loved ones away too soon but I hope the memories you have are enough to keep you going strong. Our thoughts are with you!
   ~ Amanda and Travis Frink tarfrink@gwtc.net
Deeply sorry to hear of your loss. It is difficult to see our loved ones suffer the effects of cancer, and still so hard to let them go. He is no longer in pain. You are all in the thoughts and prayers of many during this time and the days ahead.
   ~ Gloria Hunt Rapid City SD
Don't know why there has to be such Valleys of Darkness in our lives. Keith and I will continue to pray for the Crown family, that you will somehow find peace in the days that follow. God Bless all of you......
   ~ Keith & Cathy Thompson Edwards, CO
Our deepest sympathies are with you and your family. May GOD comfort you. Byron was a very kind soul, and will be greatly missed.
   ~ Tammy and John Lees 3741 Canyon Lake Dr Apt 2214 Rapid City, SD 57702
Merlin and Betty, I can't imagine the pain of losing a son. My prayers go out to you. Cleoo
   ~ Cleo Williams Rapid City, SD
Lisa and families,

May the Lord comfort you during this very difficult time. Keep those special memories in your heart and Byron will be with you always. You are in your thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

   ~ Dennis & Tina Kopp Sturgis, SD
Friends and Family of Byron - Keep all the great memories close and share them often with each other. Byron fought hard and is now up racing with his Savior. Remember you have lots of great support and don't forget to use it.
   ~ Wendy Eisenbraun Wall, SD
Lisa and Family,
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Having seen what a mean disease cancer is I feel for you. I only met Byron a couple of times but have such admiration for the way you two "toughed" this thing out together. Keep him in your heart and I hope you have enough happy memories to be able to laugh once in awhile along with the tears!

   ~ Steve & Kathy Brown 13335 Pleasant Valley Road
We have thought of you many times. Our heartfelt prayers for the days and weeks ahead.
   ~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler 24208 Fairview RD.
To Lisa and the Crown family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Byron was a great guy and we were very fortunate to have gotten to know him. He wil be sorely missed but his memory with live on in our hearts.

   ~ James & Dina Richard Goldsboro, NC
Lisa and family,
We are so saddened to hear about Byron's passing. What a great fun loving guy he was! We are so glad that Bill & Shannon introduced us to you both & got to enjoy his company. We have such great memories of him as do you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers, and God be with you all in this difficult time.

   ~ Jeff & Lori Konst & family PO Box 804 Philip SD
Byron was an amazing man. Added to that is the amazing wife he was able to share his life with and the family and friends that supported him. He will be missed greatly.
   ~ Shaun & Brandie Slovek Black Hawk, SD
Betty. I am so very sorry for your loss. There is nothing more painful than the loss of a child. I am so very, very sorry. Accpet my hugs and prayers because that's all I can do for now. very sincerely, fran
   ~ Fran Griswold Smith 7200 E. County 14, Yuma, Arizona 85365
We are so very sorry for your loss. Byron faced his illness with such courage and determination. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and you guys were great neighbors to us in Rapid City.
   ~ Ryan and Kristina Mechaley Pierre SD
Our sincere sympathy to each of you.The race is won-Byron is at peace and rest. Clay extends his sympathy as well. May confort and peace be for each of you.
   ~ Ed & Linda Eisenbraun 304 38th Str. Rapid City, S.D.
Lisa and family,
We are sorry for your lost. Bryon was a wonderful man. I was fortunate to have known him. You are in our thoughts and prayer during this difficult time.

   ~ Jerry & Darci Johannesen & Family Fort Hood, Texas
Our very deepest sympathy goes out to you, Lisa, and all the family. It has truly been a "Footprints in the Sand" journey for Byron and yourself and if you look back you will see many times when you didn't realize our Savior carrying you both, He has never left you through the good moments nor the harder ones. Thank God for that reassurance. And forever be thankful for the memories you will have in your heart forever.
   ~ Lawrence & Tera Hockenbary New Underwood, SD
Wish we were there and could be of any help...we have been thinking of all of you! We remember the good times, they will be cherished. Byron was a very special man..Love and prayers...
   ~ Gail and Wanda Johnson Pierre, S. D.
Lisa, You have always been in my prayers. You have many friends and family to lean on. As much as you may not want the sun to come up, you can always know it is shining on Byron everyday. He will always be a part of you and his strength he now has in Heaven will carry you through till you meet again. Betty and Merlin, you are in my prayers also. Our children in Heaven give us the faith we so look forward to someday.
   ~ Kiya Kelly Quinn
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Byron but I remember Merlin from when I boarded with Harry & Evelyn Doyle in the mid fifties.
   ~ Larry Bourne Chester, TX
Our love and prayers are with all of the family at this time. Sincerely Susan and Denny Walsh
   ~ Dennis Walsh Miami FL.
Merlin, Betty, Lisa,We feel the grief and pain you are going through as you mourn the loss of your son and husband..You, and Byron,have done all that is humanly possible to overcome this terrible disease. Now you have to remember the good years on earth, and trust in God's promise of everlasting life, and good health to all who believe in him.
   ~ Doug and Justine Estes Rapid City SD
Merlin, Betty and Families. Sorry to hear of Byron"s passing away. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
May God Bless your families.

   ~ Norma Good Martin,SD.
Even though he was young, he lived his life to the fullest. Cherish the living memories. Love, Gordon and Janet Good
   ~ Gordon & Janet Good Long Valley, S.D.
Hard to find words to say. You have all been such a special part of my life in one way or another and now to think you are hurting in a way no one but our Lord and Savior can truly know and help to heal. DeAnna,my name sake, school mate, and friend, I'm thinking of you with great memories. Lisa, my musician friend, I can not even imagine what your feeling but I know you guys created so many memories together. Betty and Merle, your parenting has truly been a trip we all hope to never have to travel. I love each and all of you and pass on as much strength as the Lord can offer to your whole family & Byrons close friends. Mitch, I, and the boys are praying for you all. Love ya
   ~ DeAnna Kammerer 22695 193rd Av Wall
Was so sorry to see that Byron passed. Bowled with him for years on the Nat. Guard League, we'll miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. JJ Walraven
   ~ J.J. Walraven 5510 S. Canyon Rd. Rapid City, SD 57702
Lisa~ Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. The love you have for Byron is evident in the strength and care for him. May your heart find comfort.
   ~ Renae Servaty Spearfish
Lisa ~
I am so sorry to hear of Byron's recent passing. I was just heart broken when I recieved the news. I missed the obituary and did not learn of Byron's passing until Friday morning, April 2, 2010. Dave & I would have definently been at Byron's memorial if we would have known. Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. Bryon will be remembered by us by his smile, humor and layed back personality. We enjoyed our time with you both, even though those times were few. Please let us know if you need anything, we are just a phone call away. May your memories of Bryon carry you forward during these difficult days ahead.

   ~ Dave & Tanya Septka 21891 Empire Place, Piedmont SD 57769
Byron was a man with incredible character and I have wonderful memories of his smile, enthusiasm and courage. I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
   ~ Susan (Cihak) Considine New Hartford, IA
We are so sorry to hear of Byrons' passing. He lived a full life, fought the good fight and then God called him to rest. Merlin,Betty,Lisa,Deanna &family, our prayers are with you, Chuck & Bonnie
Evan & girls
Leslie & Shawn

   ~ Chuck, Bonnie Deutscher & family Wall, S.D.
Merlin, Betty and Lisa, We extend our deepest sympathy to you. We will pray for God's peace and comfort for you in the days ahead.
   ~ Gale & Kevin Christensen Sparks, Nevada

Flowers

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The Kjerstad, Fauske, Crown, and Ramirez Cousins
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Patty, Donna & David, Alvin & Donna, Doug & Darla, Tommy & Bonnie, Gale & Tammie
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"Uncle B" "Brother-in-law"
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Petals & Pots - Veryl & Juanita Schroeder and Family
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Petals & Pots - Veryl & Juanita Schroeder and Family
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Dan & Cindy Hauk and Family
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Justin & Heather Schreiber and Family
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Gene, Rodney and Dayton Kitterman and Family
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Bill Bielmaier, Kevin & Jody and Family, Craig & Jana and Family
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Toby & Jessica Wagner and Family
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Doug & Justine Estes
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Friends at DM&E Railroad
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Johnson Family - Bob & Vonna, Julie & Scott, Cory & Jody
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Nathan, Heather, Cade, Kayli and Allie
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Deb Bryan
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Paul & Judy Goldhammer
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Bonnie Boyt and Scottie Zweirt, Jim and Mieke Stine, Grandma Ellis and Lee
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Pam Eisenbraun-Blakenship and Family
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Dave & Linda, Dan & Bev, Betty & Mick, Burt & Angie, Ed & Marilouise
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Wayne Goff & Family, Joyce Goff, Vic Wang, The Bailey Family
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Dakota Mill
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Farm Bureau Insurance - Juston, Cari and Donna
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Butch & Ann Kitterman and Families
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Clark & Audrey, Gary & Sommerlyn and Family, Shelia and Mike
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Angela, Leah, Lisa, Carol and Michelle
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Class of 1991
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Gordon & Betty Pederson and Family, Nancy Holub and Family
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Keith & Cathy Thompson and Family
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DM & E Signal Department
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Wharf Resources
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Merr & Lori Griswold, Melanie, Sarah, Lesley and Natalie
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Bruce Badley and Tracy Davis
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The Norman Sebade, Margaret Long, and Susan Grady Families
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Kevin & Natalie Baumberger
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Black Hills Fibercom - Knology
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Bill, Eric and Elsie
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Cathy & Brent Nelson
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Jim and Becky