The Webster Progress-Times

Linda Crowley has been appointed to fill her late husband's unexpired term on the Webster County Board of Supervisors.

Larry Crowley of Maben, who was president of the board, died Dec. 30 at North Mississippi Medical Center of apparent complications from leukemia. He began taking treatments for leukemia two years ago and received a bone marrow transplant last year. Funeral services were Friday with burial in Providence Methodist Cemetery.

Crowley, 53, served as District 4 supervisor for 27 years and was a farmer. He served on a number of boards and was first vice president of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors. His father, Jimmy Crowley, also died in office while a supervisor.

Supervisors opened a recessed meeting on Dec. 31 by taking a moment of silence in Crowley's memory, according to the minutes. The board also voted to lower the flags at county buildings to half-staff for one week in memory of Crowley.

"He served Webster County and District 4 faithfully for 27 years and will be greatly missed by all citizens of Webster County," the records state.

Crowley was the second county supervisor to die in two months. Mart Salley, who represented District 2 and served as vice president for two years, died of cancer on Oct. 31. He had already submitted his resignation effective that day. Before his death, the board appointed Salley's wife, Ruthie, to fill his unexpired term until a special election in November.

In a revision of that election order, the four supervisors at the Dec. 31 meeting voted to set the special election to fill both vacancies on the board - for districts 2 and 4. The election for both vacant seats will be Nov. 3; qualifying began Monday and will end Sept. 4.

The board on Monday appointed Linda Crowley as District 4 supervisor to fill the vacancy created by her husband's death until the special election. Additionally, the board voted to issue a proclamation in memory of the late supervisor.

During officer elections Monday, Robert Hitt (District 1) was elected board president and Charles McClellan (District 5) was re-elected vice president, both by acclamation. The next board meeting is at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 20.