Standish L. Crews, 91, died Aug. 21, 2011, at his home.
He was born in Zolfo Springs and lived in Vero Beach for 69 years, coming from his birthplace.
He began his career with U.S. Sugar Corp., working for them until 1948, when he joined the Florida Department of Agriculture as a regional agricultural specialist in the area of agricultural chemicals.
He had a longtime relationship with Indian River State College, beginning in 1963 when he served on the college’s Vocational Technical Advisory Committee.
He served as president of the IRSC Foundation board of directors from 1975-1985 and was a member of the board of directors from 1972-1995.
From 1971-1987 he served on the board of trustees for IRSC, culminating in his leadership as chairman of the board.
In 1983, the college named a building in his honor, Crews Hall.
In 1987, he was awarded IRSC’s most prestigious award, the President’s Cup, for his service to the college.
He was a member of First Baptist Church of Vero Beach, serving as a deacon for 40 years.
In 1961, he was chairman of the deacons and signed the contract to build the current sanctuary.
He also served as Sunday School director, president of Brotherhood and as the assistant church treasurer for 15 years.
He was a lifetime member of Kiwanis, serving as president of the Vero Beach Kiwanis Club and as the lieutenant governor for the state of Florida.
He also served as vice president and president of the Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce.
He was a graduate of Hardee County High School in Wauchula, Class of 1938.
In 1995, he was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Hazel Crews; son Bill Law, of Vero Beach; daughters Michele Crews Murray, of Anderson, Ind., and Hazel Lynn Crews, of New York City; and two grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Reaves and Adlai Crews; and sisters, Puella Brown and Geraldine Cartright.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Standish L. Crews Scholarship Fund at Indian River State College, c/o Indian River State College Foundation, 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce, FL 34981.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach.
The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Aug. 27 at First Baptist Church in Vero Beach, with the Rev. Derrick West and Dr. James F. Graves officiating.
Interment will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery, Vero Beach.
A guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
