Wendell Clifford Crow

Wendell C. Crow, 84, passed away on September 28, 2026, in Anaheim, California. A lifelong learner, reader, and educator, he spent his life teaching, telling stories, and making music.

Wendell was born in North Carolina and grew up in Rector, Arkansas, where his family owned and ran the local newspaper, the Clay County Democrat. Growing up around the news and the written word shaped him, and it led to a career in communications. He earned his B.S. from Arkansas State University and his M.S. and Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University. He went on to teach at California State University, Fullerton, for 29 years, serving as Professor of Communications and Chair of the Department of Communications, and was named Professor Emeritus.

Music was one of Wendell's great joys. He played by ear and could pick up nearly any instrument, including the banjo, guitar, and saxophone. Over the years he sang and played in many bands, barbershop quartets, and church groups, and he was never happier than when he was making music with others.

Wendell is survived by his wife, Jane Anderson; his son, Mark Crow, his wife, Shelly, and their son, James; his daughter, Amy Crow-Gardea, her husband, Roman, and their daughters, Olivia and Violet; his stepsons, Tim and Sean Phaler; his sister, Cathy Henderson, and her husband, Scott; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Wendell H. Crow; his mother, Betty Crow Knoble; and his brothers, Charles and Mark.