Joshua Jason Crew

Joshua Jason Crew, 48, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, July 19, 2026. He went on his final hunting trip. His passing leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.

Born on December 31, 1977, in Lebanon, IN, Jason lived a life defined by unwavering love, steadfast loyalty, quiet strength, and selfless service to others. He was the beloved husband of his high school sweetheart, Sara (Thompson) Crew, in a complete hunting themed wedding on February 2, 2002, at Advance Christian Church, Advance, IN. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and lots of love. He was an incredibly proud father to his sons, Hunter and Mason, whose accomplishments brought him endless joy. Every decision he made was rooted in his desire to give his family every opportunity possible and to help them become the very best versions of themselves.

Jason was the person everyone called when something needed fixed, figured out, or simply handled. He possessed an incredible ability to solve problems, and no matter the hour, he was only a phone call away for anyone in need. Dependable, hardworking, and humble, he quietly carried the burdens of others without ever asking for recognition.

His sister-in-law affectionately described him as having a "turtle shell"—a tough exterior that protected an incredibly gentle heart. Those fortunate enough to know him understood that beneath his rugged appearance was a man with endless compassion, deep loyalty, and a teddy bear's heart.

An avid outdoorsman, Jason felt most at peace in God's creation. Whether hunting in the woods, fishing on the water, relaxing beside a quiet lake, or simply sitting on the deck under a canopy of stars, nature was where his soul found rest. He often said little in those moments, but those closest to him knew that was where he felt closest to God.

Jason loved old-school country music and had an insatiable curiosity for learning. Hunting shows, YouTube videos, throwing techniques, whatever captured his interest quickly became something he studied relentlessly. Friends and family often joked that no one could possibly know more than Jason about any subject, because chances were he had already researched it.

Long before becoming a father himself, Jason found joy in coaching and mentoring young people. When Hunter and Mason were born, that passion only deepened. He dedicated himself to supporting their dreams, attending every game he could, remembering every score, every throw distance, every teammate, every opponent, and every milestone. His expectations were never rooted in perfection but in effort. He believed success came from giving everything you had, and he taught his boys that lesson by living it every day.

Jason's friendships were built on trust, loyalty, and authenticity. His circle was close, but if you earned a place in it, you had a friend for life. He was the quiet observer, the protector, the one you wanted standing beside you when life became difficult. He loved with fierce determination and defended the people he cared about without hesitation.

He also shared countless adventures with Sara, chasing sporting events, driving us across the country for sports or hunting trips, and often joking that he had been "voluntold" into another project, event, or outing. Although he often playfully complained, everyone knew the truth—there was nowhere else he would rather have been than beside the love of his life.

Jason measured success differently than most. Winning wasn't defined only by trophies or recognition but by wholehearted effort, unwavering commitment, and doing things the right way, with the running through brick wall toughness. That philosophy shaped not only his own life but the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Jason was a Maintenance Supervisor at SMC North America, and previously worked at Earl Russel Heating & Cooling, and worked in trades that included HVAC, Irrigation, brick masonry and landscaping. He had a hobby turned obsession and was the owner of Sugar Creek Taxidermy for many years.

He will forever be remembered for his legendary hunting stories, his remarkable memory for sports statistics and family milestones, his quiet wisdom, stubborn determination, dependable nature, and unwavering love for his family. More than anything, Jason will be remembered as a husband who cherished his wife, a father who adored his sons, a friend who never let anyone stand alone, and a man whose actions consistently reflected his character.

Jason is survived by his loving wife, Sara Crew; his sons, Hunter (Sarah Tribby) Crew, Lebanon and Mason Crew, Kirklin; his mother, Mary Lea Presley; sisters, Vikki Presley, Natasha Presley, and Jennifer VanCleave; sisters-in-law, Shelly (Paul) Amich and Sherry (Kevin) Poland; his grandmother, Julia Crew; mother-in-law, Shirley Thompson along with, numerus aunts, uncle, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives are richer because they knew him.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather’s, Richard “Dick” Crew and Thomas Jefferson Hinkle; grandmother, Mary Snow Hinkle; father-in-law, Robert Thompson, Jr.; and a brother-in-law, Jerrad VanCleave.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 24 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at Strawmyer and Drury Mortuary in Lebanon, IN. Funeral services will be Saturday, July 25 at 1:00PM in the mortuary, with burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the family.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18

Though Jason's earthly journey ended far too soon, his legacy of strength, loyalty, faith, and unconditional love will live on in every life he touched. His family finds comfort knowing that somewhere beneath the stars, in the peace of God's eternal creation, Jason has gone on his final hunting trip.