William Crosswell Croft passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2009. He was born Jan. 8, 1918 in Greenville, SC. He attended The Citadel from 1935 – 1936 and then proudly accepted an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1940. He was the adoring husband of Barbara, nee Engh, who was “The One” from the moment he met her on their blind date in the spring of 1939. They were married on March 7, 1942 and had 67 magical years together. Crosswell had many passions in life. He loved the games of tennis and football, and his passion for riding horses in Wyoming was known by many. He loved to share his cowboy passion with his whole family, inviting them out to Eaton’s Ranch every summer. His children and many grandchildren have loving memories of time spent with Pop riding the range. He served his country in the Navy and was a Pearl Harbor survivor. His generosity was far-reaching: not only to his family and friends, but also to his community and his country as well. He devoted many hours of service as past President and a Director of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, past President and Director of the Chicago Crime Commission, and past Chairman of the Young Presidents Organization- Chicago Chapter. He was actively involved in the Republican Party at all levels and loved his country and his family with ferver. Throughout his life, even in the later years, Crosswell’s response to how he was doing was always a resounding “I’m rugged!” He will be greatly missed by his loving wife Bobbie; his children, Bill (Linda) of Winfield, Mimi (Victor) Galef of Cashiers, NC, Doug (Liz) of Glenview, Helen (John) Baffert of Tucson, AZ and Jean (Larry) Lewis of Long Grove, as well as by 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He will forever be our rugged Pop whom we love dearly. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 28 at Church of the Holy Comforter, 222 Kenilworth Ave., Kenilworth. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston, SC 29409. Share a memory at www.mem.com. Arrangements by Wm. H.Scott Funeral Home, 847-251-8200 Tags:1938
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