Aden L. Crowell, 91, of Center Road, Middlesex, passed away peacefully following several years of declining health at the Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center on Saturday, October 1, 2011. Born in Hyde Park on March 23, 1920, he was the son of the late Logan A. and Artie M. (Cowan) Crowell. On June 14, 1952, he married the former Betty L. Cargill in Middlesex.
Aden attended schools in Stowe and Middlesex. In 1941, he moved to Norwich, CT, where he was employed in manufacturing. Entering the U.S. Army in 1942, he served in the 38th and 84th Infantry Divisions. Injured by shrapnel in November of 1944 in Germany, he was transferred to Fort Devens, MA, and was hospitalized for a year and a half, being honorably discharged and awarded the Purple Heart in February 1946.
Returning to Vermont, he worked as a mechanic for a Ford dealership in Barre until 1949, returned to CT and worked in the textile industry for several years and then began a 23-year career at Walker Motors in Montpelier as a mechanic, retiring in March 1976.
Aden was well known for his devoted hobby of restoring Kaiser-Frazer automobiles and took great pleasure in attending antique car shows where he won a number of trophies in Vermont and New Hampshire. He took great pride in caring for his home, lawn and garden. His memberships included the D.A.V, the Brown-Johnson VFW Post 792 of Montpelier, the Kaiser-Frazer Owner’s Club International, the Vermont Automobile Enthusiasts, the “251” Club and the Middlesex Historical Society. His helpful, friendly manner endeared him to his many friends and neighbors. He will be missed by all who were privileged to know him. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center for the care, comfort and kindness extended to Aden and the entire family.
Aden is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty Crowell of Middlesex; their son, Henry A. Crowell and his wife Susan Crowell of Columbus, OH; three grandchildren, Jennifer Crowell of Seattle, WA, Christopher Crowell and Katherine Crowell both of Columbus, OH; two sisters, Beverly Azur of Montpelier and Ernestine Moreau of Uncasville, CT; his close friend and fellow car enthusiast, Bob Guinn of Barre; a special cousin, Jeannette Howe of Chester; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. Aden was predeceased by four sisters, Emeroy Merchant, Madeline LaRose, Virginia Chornoby and Madine Merchant; and three brothers, Wayland “Jack” Crowell, Richard Crowell and Robert Crowell.
Funeral services will be held from the Middlesex United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 8, 2011, at noon with a reception to follow in the church dining room. Friends may call at the Middlesex United Methodist Church on Friday, October 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. Interment will take place in the Middlesex Center Cemetery. The family requests that flowers be omitted; rather memorial gifts would be appreciated to the Brown-Johnson VFW Post #792, 1 Pioneer Street, Montpelier, VT 05602. To send online condolences please visit us at www.perkinsparker.com and Facebook. Assisting the family is the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home in Waterbury.
