He was born in Springfield on January 6, 1932, the son of John B. Sr. and Bernice (Walker) Crosby. John married Elizabeth “Bitsy” Lanphier on August 22, 1998, in New Berlin.
John graduated Springfield High School with the class of 1950 and later attended Florida State University. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and enjoyed sharing his experience and stories. John lived in Newport Beach, CA, for 30 years, where he worked in the insurance industry before moving back to Springfield in 1998. He loved walking, running, and dancing. John also enjoyed golf and reading. He loved listening to The Beatles and classical music.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Carol Crosby and Helen Crosby Gibbs; and step-son, Charles “Chuck” Beard.
John is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; sons, John (Teresa) Beard, Tom Beard, and Pete (Carrie) Beard, all of Springfield; grandchildren, Elizabeth “Libi” Beard of Springfield, Liliana “Lili” Beard of Chicago, Marina Rosebrock of Redondo Beach, CA, Joseph “Max” Beard of Springfield, and James “Gus” Beard of Springfield; sister-in-law, Susan “Suzy” Kelley of Springfield; great-grandchild, August “Augie” Beard; nieces, Sherri Gibbs, Linda Whitt, and Cindy Dickson; and several nephews and cousins.
Memorial contributions may be made to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
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