John Wesley Crews was born on July 25, 1944, in DeQueen, Arkansas, and passed away peacefully in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, February 20, 2026, after a courageous and difficult battle with dementia.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to his son-in-law, Wayne Conerly, whose care and devotion brought comfort to Johnny in his final years.

During the Vietnam War, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and spent two years in Minneapolis, Minnesota, serving his country as a military police officer.

John was raised in Shreveport and he grew up with a love of sports that never faded. He could swing a bat, roll a strike, and after years of trying (and bragging about the near misses), he finally nailed that long-awaited hole-in-one. He loved all animals, but dogs held a special place in his heart—especially his loyal sidekicks, Lucy and Cowboy. If there was a stray or a critter in need, he was on the case faster than you could say "treat. Cheering from his recliner, he never missed a game day, either—baseball, football, golf—you name it. He loved music, dancing, and his favorite shows Seinfeld and Gunsmoke. He had a deep love of trivia and storytelling, delighting family and friends with the facts he knew and the tales he shared. He devoted his entire career to the railroad, where he built lasting friendships and took great pride in a job well done.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gale (Baker) Crews; his parents, John and Lois; his daughter, Libby Kaye; and his brothers, Warren, Bobby, and Denson.

He is survived by his two daughters, Carrie Thye (Wayne) and Stacey Crews; his grandsons, Luke and Toby, his great-granddaughter, Ruby; his sisters, Sammye Lou and Francine, and many nieces and nephews.

It goes without saying that Johnny loved his daughters with fierce devotion and a protective heart. Their health and well-being were always his top priority. A special thank you to Kortnie with Halo Hospice and the entire staff at Riverside Memory Care. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Humane Society of North Texas. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.