School Mourns Loss of Teacher, Alumnus

The St. Mark’s community mourns the loss of Ike Crews ’08, a proud graduate, loyal alumnus, enthusiastic Pecos Wilderness leader, inspiring teacher and coach, and friend to many. Ike passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on December 30, 2018, while traveling with friends in Austin. An alumnus of the Class of 2008, Ike joined the St. Mark’s faculty last year as a member of the Middle School humanities team. In addition to teaching sixth-grade humanities, Ike also served as an advisor and assistant football and wrestling coach.

Ike entered St. Mark’s as a student in the fifth grade and would ultimately develop a lifelong passion for the School. He went on to become a highly recognized multi-sport athlete and active contributor in the classroom, on the playing fields, and across the campus. After graduation, he attended Davidson College, earning a B.A. in history with a minor in anthropology, and then completed a Master of Arts in International Affairs at George Washington University. Ike spent several years working in Washington, D.C. for U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions before beginning his teaching career. During his time in Washington, Ike frequently organized alumni events and gatherings on behalf of his alma mater, always mindful of the opportunity to serve.

Ike Crews was a loyal and devoted alumnus and remained actively engaged with St. Mark’s after graduation. He was an avid Pecos leader, returning to Dallas every August to guide rising ninth graders into the New Mexico wilderness. As an assistant football and wrestling coach, Ike inspired his players to compete with skill and determination and, at the same time, helped shape their character and compassion. He was an animated teacher who quickly earned the respect and affection of his sixth-grade students and advisees. He was a wonderful role model who cherished the opportunity to be back at his alma mater helping to mentor the next generation of Marksmen. As a young member of the faculty, he empathized with students, seeking to reassure them through his own experiences as a Marksman. “Whether in the classroom, on the athletic fields, or along the trails of New Mexico, Ike sought to build strong, meaningful relationships with the boys in his care, said Nick Sberna, Humanities Department Chair and Director of the Wilderness Program. “He loved St. Mark's, and St. Mark’s loved him.”

“Ike was a natural in the classroom and set a very positive example for the boys,” said Eugene McDermott Headmaster David Dini. “He greeted everyone with a smile and had a contagious sense of energy and enthusiasm that will be dearly missed by all of us. Ike was not only an inspirational teacher, coach, and role model, but also embodied the qualities, traits, and values we try to instill in all of our boys. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Crews family, and all those who knew Ike, during this very difficult time of loss.”

A memorial service celebrating the life of Ike Crews ’08 will be held in the St. Mark’s Chapel on Monday, January 7, at 3:00 p.m. All guests are invited to a reception immediately following the service in the W.W. Browning, Jr., Great Hall.