George Donald Crosby

George Crosby, 86, of Greensburg passed away on October 9, 2017, at Morning Breeze. He was born on October 3, 1931, in Shelby County, the son of Russell and Eva (Thornburg) Crosby. His parents farmed, and you might say it was his destiny to continue that tradition with his own family. He had two older brothers, James and Noelgene. George attended Noble Township and graduated in 1949 from Waldron High School. He played basketball and sang in the quartet. He met Nancy, his high school sweetheart, at Waldron, and they were married on March 26, 1950 at the Shelbyville Christian Church. They have four children (Karen Barker, Tom Crosby, Deb Wortman, and Don Crosby) 10 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. He began farming out of high school after attending the Purdue Farm management short course. He has been a dairy farmer for over 64 years. He also used to fill silos and sold Brock Bins for some time. During his long dairy career, he was a member of several milk organizations: AMPI (Associated Milk Producers, Inc.) - Member of the corporate board, and held several offices; Foremost Farms- director and held offices; Milk Promotion Services of Indiana (MPSI)- board member and treasurer; Shelby County Dairy Farmers Association; Hoosier Milk Board; Member of the National Bank Board for the Midwest Region.

He was a member of the Burney Volunteer Fire Department. His family was involved with the county and state fairs and showed sheep in the open and 4-H shows. He has also been and active seed dealer. He sold DeKalb seed for approximately 39 years. He then sold Agri-Tech seeds for about 6 years, and sold Becks Hybrids for 15 years. His son Tom continues to sell Becks today. George also served on the Indiana State Board of Animal Health. He currently serves on the Noble Township Trustee Advisory Board. George and Nancy also opened a vet supply and feed store in Greensburg in 1972. Eventually they offered a delivery service with it as well. Nancy ran the business, and their son Don continues to oversee it. The impact of agriculture was strong in their family because three of their children still farm today. He was a member of the Burney United Methodist Church and attended Union Chapel United Methodist Church in St. Paul. George’s farm now is a little over 800 tillable acres, as well as dairy and feeder cattle located in Decatur and Shelby counties.

Survivors include: Children- Karen (David) Barker, Tom (Jackie) Crosby, Debbie Wortman, and Don (Myra) Crosby; Grandchildren- Mike Barker, Matthew Barker, Dana Chandler, Alan Crosby, Cara Chitwood, Chastity Wilke, Brenda Crosby, Laura Crosby, Ryan Crosby, and Austin Crosby; Great Grandchildren- Hope Barker, Kacey Barker, Brody Barker, Cory Banaschak, Jessica Banaschak, Jack Wilke, Cooper Wilke, Clayton Wilke, Alexander Chandler, Amelia Chandler, and Carter Michael Chitwood. He was preceded in death by: his parents, his wife Nancy, son-in-law - Jay Wortman, Granddaughters - Kimberly Barker and Beth Barker and his brothers – James and Noelgene Crosby.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at the Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Funeral Services will be Thursday, October 12 at 10:30 at the Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home. Rev. Dawn Barnes will be officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Paul Union Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Decatur County Community Foundation. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com.