Joseph Crowder

Joseph Lee "The Music Man" Crowder, 55, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Monday, May 12, 2008 at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls, MN. He was born March 21, 1953 in Battle Creek, Michigan. Joseph - well known as "The Music Man" was an entertainer at heart. On July 9, 1988 he married Michelle Lacy in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They lived and performed in Branson, Missouri for six years where their music career was started by David Allen Coe. They also began their gospel music ministry where they ministered to others through music. They moved to Rush Lake in Otter Tail County and later to Fergus Falls where they lived for several years. Joseph and his wife, Michelle, performed for many years as "Laty M & M and the Music Man", performing with such artists as James Brown, Michael McDonald, Kenny G, Barbara Fairchild, and several others. He attended several churches in the Fergus Falls area. Joseph was energetic, compassionate, likable, and very well loved. He loved children and had a special gift with them. His greatest passion in life was entertaining others. Preceding him in death were his mother, and his five year old son, Walter Lee Crowder. He is survived by his former wife, Michelle Marie Crowder of Fargo, North Dakota; a sister, Sheila Smith of Kentucky, and three brothers, Elvin Nash, Wendell Nash, and Greg Nash. There will be a private family service at a later date. Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com