In Loving Memory of Brother Steven “Baby Crowe / Birdie / Brother Steve” Crowe II
The SMART-TD and railroad community mourns the heartbreaking loss of Steven Crowe II., a beloved railroader, union brother, and friend who lost his life on the job on December 3rd, 2025.
Steven, a proud member of SMART-TD Local 1422 (Los Angeles, CA), followed in the footsteps of his father, Steven Crowe Sr., a longtime Local 1846 (West Colton, CA) member and a railroader known by nearly every Union Pacific railroader in California.
From the moment Steven hired on with UP in 2014, his dad’s reputation preceded him. And as railroaders tend to do, a nickname was quick to follow because they already had a Steve Crowe in their life. As a result, in crew rooms across Southern California, he was known affectionately as “Baby Crowe.” His friends growing up in Riverside and Corona lovingly called him “Birdie.” Back home in Boron, CA, he was simply “Brother Steve,” a fitting name for a man who embodied what it meant to be a true union brother to all who knew him.
It didn’t matter which name you knew him by. Everyone who met Steven loved the guy. He was the life of the party everywhere he went, the storyteller whose tales we all gladly listened to, even when he started with, “long story short,” and we knew it absolutely wouldn’t be. His humor, warmth, and magnetic personality made every gathering brighter, which is hard to do in a railroad crew room sometimes.
Steven was a fun-loving soul who cherished punk music, time in nature, and the fellowship of those he cared about. He was especially proud to be a part of the Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus (ECV). The historic fraternity’s unique blend of lighthearted fun and deep
commitment to brotherhood fit Steven perfectly. Anyone close to him likely heard more than one “long story short” about how at home he felt among his fellow Clampers. His wife, Theresa, wishes to sincerely thank ECV for the beautiful cross they constructed in his memory shortly after his passing. Your act of kindness meant the world to his family.
The ECV motto, “Credo quia absurdum” (“I believe it because it is absurd”), resonates deeply in the railroad world, and it resonated with Steven. He lived with humor, heart, purpose, and an unshakeable loyalty to his brothers and sisters on and off the rails.
Steven is survived by many who loved him dearly:
- His father, Steve Crowe Sr., a dedicated 28-year SMART-TD member (and UTU before it), and his stepmother, Elizabeth “Beth” Crowe.
- His mother, Joni
- His wife, Theresa
- His Sister, Kristen, and his nephews Nicholas, Seth and niece Ryan
- His Sister, Megan along with his Brother In Law Matt and niece Delilah
- Many, many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins
- And most importantly, his children: Dylan, Braeden, and Makensie
A Celebration of Life will be held after the holidays, with details to follow.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the love, support, and shared memories pouring in from friends, fellow railroaders, and his ECV brothers.
In this moment of profound grief, we ask our SMART-TD family, the ECV community, and all who knew Brother Steve to come together in support of his wife, children and father. Your generosity will help them handle the untimely burden of his final expenses as they navigate this
unimaginable loss.
Long story short—please help if you can.
Steven gave his whole heart to others. Now, in his memory, we hope to return that kindness to the family he cherished most.
Organizer and beneficiary
Theresa Crowe
Beneficiary