Robert “Bob” Lewis Crowder, age 80, of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 23, 2025, with his loving wife, Debbie, by his side.
Born on October 4, 1945, in Nashville, Tennessee, Bob spent most of his life in Florida before retiring to Lookout Mountain. His remarkable 47-year career in law enforcement was marked by integrity, dedication, and a lifelong commitment to public service.
Bob began his career at the Martin County Sheriff’s Department as a dispatcher and later as a jailer while earning his degree from Indian River State College. He then joined the Stuart Police Department, where he rose from patrolman to detective by 1971. In 1972, when the governor suspended the sitting sheriff, Bob was appointed to serve as Sheriff of Martin County from May of that year until January 1, 1973.
Following that term, Bob continued to serve in various law enforcement roles, including chief of security and chief of detectives in the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, and later as undersheriff with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.
In 1992, Bob was elected Sheriff of Martin County and assumed office early, in December of that year, following the passing of the sitting sheriff. He went on to serve with distinction until his retirement in 2013. Under his steady and principled leadership, the Sheriff’s Office experienced significant growth while remaining grounded in its mission of service, professionalism, and trust.
Throughout his tenure, Sheriff Crowder earned the respect of his peers and the gratitude of his community. He was admired for his calm demeanor, fairness, and unwavering belief in the responsibilities of good government. His legacy continues through the men and women of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office and the countless lives he influenced during his years of service.
Bob was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps Reserve and carried with him the discipline and devotion to duty that marked every part of his career. He was also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Before his law enforcement career, Bob worked as an accomplished herpetologist at Ross Allen’s Reptile Institute in Silver Springs, Florida. He was also a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Stuart, Florida, and a man guided by faith and compassion.
Above all, Bob was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who cherished every moment spent with his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie Crowder; children, Rob Crowder, Lori Keating, Matthew Potsko, and Adam Potsko; brother, Gary Crowder; and grandchildren, Tyler Keating, McKenna Keating, Abby Crowder, Megan Crowder, Avery Potsko, Blake Potsko, Morgan Potsko, Karlee Aultman, and Ava Aultman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Caryl Crowder, and his brother, Charles Crowder.
Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches in honor of Sheriff Crowder’s lifelong dedication to helping others.
Sheriff Crowder will be remembered as a man of honor, faith, and quiet strength — a dedicated public servant whose leadership left a lasting impact on his community and whose love for family and friends will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
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