To know John Crossman was to Love John Crossman. May 2, 2021, we lost a dedicated and devoted soul who embraced his family and his community with care and compassion. He was the Patriarch of a family whom all he loved deeply and the depth of love was reciprocated by all he encountered here while he was on his voyage. Beloved Husband, Beloved Father, Beloved Grandfather, Beloved Friend.
His passion to care for others was evident in all of his generosity to ensure his family and community was taken care of, regardless of need. He loved his family; he loved his home; he loved life.
He began his journey in Boise, ID on his birthdate of October 4, 1932. He moved with his parents, Theo and Angela(Capp) Crossman to Montana as a young boy and was raised in Beautiful Butte America. He continued his path with attending Emerson Elementary and Butte High School before moving forward to Western MT College in Dillon MT. There, he received his BA in education and then continued to Northern MT College of Education in Havre, MT where he earned his Masters Degree in counseling education. He taught in School District #1 in Butte, MT for 26 years.
He met the true love of his life, Maureen Geary while attending college and they were married on February 13, 1955 in Butte, MT.
He served his country during the Korean war in the Army. After serving in the US Army, he wore many hats while carving his trail in life. He was a relief vacation driver for Eddy’s Bread. He worked at Coast to Coast Hardware, South Side Hardware, Triple S Building Center as well as Hartz RV.
While working, he gave of himself in a multitude of services. He was a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He was a member of the Butte Jaycees. He was a member of the Mile High Lions Club.
He was a volunteer fireman at the Home Atherton Volunteer Fire Department as well as spending many years volunteering at the Butte Emergency Food Bank. Helping others was a true passion in his heart.
His other passions included wonderful mealtime adventures. Having Town Talk Maple Bars to start his day as the perfect beginning to the morning routines. Visiting Joe’s Pasty for conversation on delicious lunches. He never missed spending a birthday at the Montana Club and absolutely loved his Shrimp.
Together, they raised 5 children in Butte and were devoted members of the community and served with honor and grace. His time berry picking, camping, tinkering in the garage and popping in to the hardware store were some of his favorite moments spent with family and friends.
He will be missed in this world.
He departed on May2, 2021 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.
He is survived by his wife, Maureen Crossman, to whom he was devoted to for 66 years as well as his 5 children, Geary & Kathy Crossman, Gooding, ID; Mary Carroll & Dale Grinolds, Butte, MT; Ted & Susan Crossman, Butte, MT (& Sahuarita, AZ); Bob & Jamie Crossman, Hamilton, MT; Chris & Angela Crossman, Sandy, UT.
In addition to his beloved wife and children, there are also a multitude of grandchildren.
Shawn, Josh & Pat Crossman; Misty Cook; Ben Walker;
Angela & Andy Grinolds; Will Amorella
Clint, Tannar, Kyle & Randy Crossman
Noah & Owen Crossman
In addition, there are 23 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandsons!
He also leaves behind a sister Delores Gordon of Weslaco, TX.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Theo & Angela Crossman as well as his in-law’s James & Esther Geary & granddaughters Lisa & Amanda, great grandson KJ and sister, Donna Leary.
We have the faith he will always be with us and will continue to guide us on our own separate paths.
He will always be near – In our hearts, in our thoughts and in our prayers.
Suggested Memorials to the Butte Emergency Food Bank or to the website for Parkinson’s Disease Awareness in Honor of John Crossman.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
The family will receive guests beginning at 9:00 am followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 am.
Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or share a memory of John.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for John and his family.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of John.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for John and his family.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Saturday May 8, 2021
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Saturday May 8, 2021
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Butte, Montana 59701
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Marilou Cashell Hart says
Maureen and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of John’s passing.
My thoughts and prayers and with you all.
Cindy Atcheson says
I am so sorry John was a very kind and gentle man I always enjoyed our conversations at the food bank
Cindy Atcheson
Tammy says
Aunt Maureen, Geary, Carroll, Ted, Bob, Chris, and the rest of the Crossman family…
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Uncle John was one of a kind! Devoted to his family, hard working, a man of character and integrity! The world doesn’t have many men like Uncle John anymore! I know I am responsible for some of his grey hairs while I was growing up…many times I would come in late and he’d be waiting for me at the kitchen table. When I’d get back to the house from a date and if I didn’t come right away I’d get my first warning… the porch light flicking on and off. If I ignored that I would get a knock on the car door window. He never let me down, he was always there for me while growing up. My last time in Butte he still waited on the porch to watch us drive away. Uncle John and Aunt Maureen have been a big influence on my life…I saw how loving and devoted my Uncle John was to my Aunt Maureen. He was a man of his word. I can still hear my Aunt Maureen telling me, “You don’t need to worry your Uncle John is here!” ❤️
Mike ONeill says
Our sincere condolences to the whole Crossman family. He will be greatly missed.
Mike and Karen O’Neill
Kelly and Theresa O’Neill Dennehy says
Such a kind man. I’m sorry for your loss. Memories are so special.
Dave O’Rourke says
One of the kindest men I’ve ever known. With a heart big enough to take in several kids that were in need of a home at certain times in their lives (me included). He will be greatly missed, but is in a much better place. Love to all the Crossman’s in this horrible time of loss.
Beverky says
Dear Maureen,
So so sorry! Remembering you from hi school and you and John from our young days at the Butte Jaycees. Take care.
Beverly Shea O’Neill says
Dear Maureen,
So so sorry! Remembering you from hi school and you and John from our young days at the Butte Jaycees. Take care.
Charlene LeProwse Warren says
Grinolds and Crossman Families –
I am so sorry to read of your father and grandpa’s passing. Know you all are in my thoughts tonight.
Charlene LeProwse Warren
Joe Powers says
My thoughts and prayers to the Crossman family. Your dad once told me that he was still waiting on a math homework assignment he had given Kerrie over thirty years ago. It still makes us smile. I know he saw us trying to swipe goodies from the bread truck as kids when he came home for lunch. Never said a word. He came over to the driveway another time to lend me an oil filter wrench for my old car one hot summer day. Said using a screwdriver just makes a mess of things. The right tool for the job is what a smart guy would do. Always a teacher, and an even better man.
Michael and Sandra Geary says
Aunt Maureen, Mary Carroll, Geary, Ted, Bob and Chris,
I was very saddened to hear of Uncle Johnny’s passing. Our family has many happy memories of our visits to Butte while growing up. Staying with Aunt Maureen and Uncle Johnny was always a highlight of those trips. The snowmobiling, ice skating, caroling, barbecues, and picnics; it was all terrific fun, with Uncle Johnny a central figure in it all. Please know that our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Michael and Sandra Geary
Melvera Jordan says
Our condolences to the family.
Doc and Cookie Jordan
Pam Gonder says
So so sorry for the loss of your father,MaryCarroll and family.
Janice K Muniz says
My thoughts and prayers to Mary Carroll & Dale Grinolds, and all the Crossman Family,
May his memories hold dear in your hearts.
Rest in peace
Janice Muniz
Mark Cragwick says
I really enjoyed serving along side John in Mile Hi Lions Club. John …..You will be missed.
Respectfully,
Mark Cragwick
Joseph Morris says
Our thouht are with you. Know this has been a tough time for the family. Our sons and Sallie and I will say a prayer for his passing. If we can be of help let us know.
Sallie & Joe Morris
Bette Jo Kirk says
Maureen and family,
John became a great friend and family, quiet among most but not with me (Wayne) , I will miss seeing the box of hardware treats he would send to his son Chris. We so appreciated that John made his last trip to Utah to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary , John you will be deeply missed but always in our hearts . God speed my friend
Blessings to the Crossman Family,
Wayne and Bette Jo Kirk
Eileen Hill says
Grinolds and Crossman Families
I am so very sorry for your loss. I am sure he is watching over you all already.
God Bless
Eileen (LaFleur) Hill
Ruth (Hoellein) Reagan says
Mr. Crossman was my 6th grade science teacher at Whittier-way back in about 1964! Science was not my favorite subject, but he made it very interesting and was a good teacher. Although our paths have not crossed since then, I have thought of him often as one of my favorite teachers.
My condolences to the family. May God bless each of you with His peace and comfort.
Ruth (Hoellein) Reagan
Richard J Riley says
Dick and I are so sorry for your loss..Remember Crossman’s as Riley neighbors on Hancock Street. We are thinking of all of you and send prayers… Dick and Carole Riley
Michael Konecy says
Maureen and family,
It must have been 3 summers ago when I last saw John up at Placid Lake. I was very happy that I had a chance to talk with him after so many years. My thoughts are with you all.
Chris Heiland says
Nineteen years ago in May, this wonderful man named John Crossman and his lovely wife Maureen and their children and families welcomed me in as if I was one of their own, as my family was many miles away on the east coast. Thanksgiving Dinner with John and his family was and always will be one of my favorite holidays of the year. I am truly blessed and grateful for what Thanksgiving is all about, my new family gave me so much to be thankful for. Even though the television and football were on prior to dinner, my favorite memories were sitting in the Crossman living room and just talking to John. May God Bless all of the Crossman and Grinolds families at this time and always.
Emily Mae Rebish says
Dear Maureen and Family
I am out of town and will not be there for John’s funeral. To me John was first my 6th grade teacher. I remember ordering crafts for our Mothers Day gifts. I also ordrred and made a pink hat for myself.which I still have.
Our friendship with my Mother (Dorothy Stack) has continued for many years. John always greeted us with a smile and you could see the twinkle in his eyes while he was thinking of something special to say.
A very special friend ❤ will be truly missed.
Larriann Palmer Murphy says
My thoughts and prayers to Mr. Crossman’s family. He was one of my favorite teachers at Whittier School.
Kim (Houts) McGee says
Although I have not seen the Crossman’s in years, I grew up with Mary Carroll as a child. Their home was filled with so much love and joy and they always made me feel welcome and loved. My heart is saddened with the passing of John. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.