Obituary of John Crosby

A Celebration of Life Gathering for John Crosby, 73, of Montgomery will be held from 5 - 7 pm, Tuesday, November 28, 2017, at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. John Halliburton Crosby Jr. was born on February 22, 1944 in his family's home in rural Montgomery, Iowa to John Halliburton Crosby Sr. and Zella (Bobo) Crosby. He attended school in Montgomery, Iowa, until the 8th grade and later attained a GED through the Army's G.I. School. John served on the Army for three years rebuilding roads in France and Germany. In 1970 he married Sue (Mansfield) Crosby and began life together on the family farm where John lived his entire life. Their marriage brought forth two children to their family; Trisha and Johnny. While John farmed continuously in and around his home, he also embarked on a trucking career early in life. This trucking career spanned over 40 years, beginning with hauling livestock for his longtime friend and partner, Bernie Cohrs, continuing with furniture hauling for Stylecraft in Milford, Iowa, flatbed hauling for Hunt Transportation in Omaha, Nebraska, and refrigerated long hauling for Heiter Truck Line of Spencer, Iowa. Remembered by most for his witty one-liners, John also enjoyed going to auctions, storytelling as well as fine tuning farm equipment and semis. John's passion, however, was imparting life lessons upon his grandchildren at the farm. John enjoyed his membership in the Stan's Corner Coffee club, where his obvious wit and charm was piled onto any who would listen. He was also a member of the United Methodist Church in Montgomery (until its closing) and in Lake Park, through which many family milestones were shared. John passed away on November 23, 2017 in Spencer, Iowa. He is survived by wife, Sue, daughter Trisha Ingham and husband Kirk, son Johnny, brothers Paul and Phillip, Aunt Alice Crosby as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. John is also survived by the pride and joy of his life, his grandchildren: Charles, Zella and Duane. He is preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers; Charles and James.