Walter Merlin Crowell

Walter Merlin Crowell, affectionately known as Wally, Bubbas, Wally Boy, and (when he was feeling particularly grumpy) just Walter, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026 in the arms of his mama, dada, and big sister, in a room surrounded by loved ones in his home in Pocatello, Idaho. He passed after a ruthless yet courageous battle with mitochondrial disease and epilepsy. He was born on October 16th, 2023, bringing immeasurable joy and love into the world from his very first breath.

Wally is survived by his devoted parents, Sean and Lizzy (Cady) Crowell, and his beloved big sister, Emmy Lou, who prayed faithfully for a baby brother for two years before Wally made his way. He also leaves behind his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nurses, therapists, doctors, and countless friends whose lives he touched in ways they'll carry forever.

From the moment you met Wally, you felt loved. Truly, deeply loved. His signature "heart eyes" had a way of making everyone feel seen and cherished, like they were the most important person in his world. When he melted into you during cuddles, surrendering his full body weight in complete trust and affection, the world stopped and felt exactly right.

Wally was delightfully mischievous and cheeky, with a sparkle in his eye and expressive eyebrows. At just six months old, he'd already mastered the art of faking sleep to get out of therapy sessions. A spunky level of the cleverness and determination that would become his trademark. He was the master of faces: the biggest, most heart-wrenching pouty lip you've ever seen, his silly tongue moves, stealing ice cream and cookies, and a smile so bright it could lift the heaviest heart.

Wally's loves were simple but intense: Ms. Rachel (who he watched with pure devotion), music that made his whole body move, sucking his middle and pointer fingers (but backwards), balloons, making people laugh, pizza, Disneyland and Mickey Mouse, the beach, airports, his beloved nurse Adam Hale, pumpkins…so many pumpkins, and above all else, his family and friends. His weeks were jam-packed with therapies, hospital visits, and challenges that would overwhelm most adults, yet Wally remained genuinely, inexplicably happy, a living testament to his remarkable resilience and his supernatural ability to rally against impossible odds.

At six months old, Wally's world shifted when he began experiencing infantile spasms, a rare and aggressive form of epilepsy that would become just one of the mountains he'd have to climb. Three months later came the diagnosis of mitochondrial disease, delivered with a dim prognosis that would have broken most people.

Wally's family made a powerful, life-affirming choice: if they couldn't have a lifetime with Wally, they would live life to the absolute fullest with him for whatever time they had. And boy, did they ever. Every extra dollar and their savings went to making memories. At just two years old, Wally was already a world traveler who still had quite the list of places to see. Belize was his favorite with its bright colors, speed boat adventures, music, and monkeys. Yet, some of his favorite times were dance sessions in the kitchen with the family while making dinner.

While doctors said Wally's prognosis was limiting, Wally had other plans. He broke down walls, defied expectations, and reached milestones that seemed impossibly out of reach. He developed, grew, and thrived in ways that left his medical teams all over the country in amazement considering his MRIs. Wally spent much of his life in and out of hospitals, where the nurses and doctors at Portneuf Medical Center became like family, caring for him with a dedication and love that went far beyond their job descriptions.

Despite being chronically ill, seizures, monthly hospital stays, the endless appointments and pokes, Wally taught everyone around him the most important lesson of all: that the most precious thing we have in this life is time with those we love. He showed us that life is worth living, that joy can be found even in the hardest moments, that love is the most powerful force in the universe, and that money can't buy you time.

Wally's brief but brilliant life was a masterclass in what truly matters. Not the length of our days, but the depth of our presence, the richness of our connections, and the memories we create with the people we hold dear. His ability to rally through hardships, to find genuine delight in the midst of struggle, and to love with his whole, enormous heart inspired everyone who knew him to stop, to be present, to choose time with family over everything else. His family called it the "Wonders of Wally", his gift for finding magic and wonder in the ordinary, wonder in the everyday, and reasons to smile when there seemed to be none. Through Wally, we learned that a life well-lived isn't measured in years, but in moments of connection, in laughter shared, in the simple joy of being together, and being compatible with joy- not just life.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the village that loved and cared for Wally; the Pediatric nurses and doctors at Portneuf Medical Center who became family; the compassionate nurses at ProHealth Professional Home Care, especially Adam Hale (Wally's favorite person), who brought care and comfort into their home; Wally's dedicated therapists at Bloom who celebrated every tiny victory; Dr. Denton and Margaret Gregson at the Pocatello Children's Clinic who walked alongside them through every challenge; Inclusive Care Pharmacy that truly cared for his unique needs and gave exceptional care; Wally's care team from Heritage Home Health and Hospice who helped make his final days peaceful; and the incredible PICU nurses, respiratory therapists, doctors, and Rainbow Kids team at Primary Children's Hospital and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia who fought fiercely for him. Additionally, the medical mama community rallied around the Crowell family with every step. To everyone who loved Wally, advocated for him, cheered him on, and refused to give up on him. Who saw him as Wally, and not his diagnosis. And at the end, Dan Adams and Wilks Funeral Home who tenderly cared for the Crowell family and their sweet Wally Boy.The family asks that you help them continue to seek the "Wonders of Wally." Honor his memory by choosing time with your loved ones. Put down your phone, cancel the meeting, take the trip, have the conversation you've been putting off. Create memories through experiences. The greatest gift you can give in Wally's name is to live as he taught us: fully present, deeply connected, and grateful for every precious moment with those you love.

In lieu of flowers, donations for the Crowell family to seek more “Wonders of Wally” can be made via Venmo @lizzy-cc, the family's GoFundMe, or the Wally Memorial Fund at ICCU.

GoFundMe link: https://gofund.me/4017e507d

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1701 Bartz Dr, Pocatello, Idaho 83201 (church closest to I-15). Visitation will be held prior to the celebration from 9:00 - 10:45 am. Burial will follow the service at Mountain View Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting the Guestbook below.