Longtime Carson City resident and fourth generation Nevadan, Donald J. Crosby, passed away on April 23, 2012 at the age 88. He was born in Reno, Nevada on December 30, 1923 to Dewey and Agnes Crosby of Sparks, Nevada. Don attended public schools in Sparks through high school. He entered the U.S. Army in 1943 and was assigned to the Army specialized training program at Texas A&M, majoring in civil engineering. He served in the European theater from 1944 through 1945 as an infantry soldier. He was taken prisoner of war and was wounded in action. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and was honorably discharged.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Agnes Crosby, sister Betty Balik, daughters Carol Harlan of Carson City and Betty Horton of Reno. Don is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy, daughter Mary Barry of Reno, six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and two nephews.
He was employed by the then Nevada State Highway Department from October, 1945 through June, 1979, retiring as Deputy State Highway Engineer. Following retirement he was very involved in the Retired Public Employees of Nevada (RPEN) holding several elective offices including state president from 1996 to 1997 and was a registered RPEN lobbyist for the 1997 legislative session.
He volunteered at the Carson City Senior Citizens center. He was a member and past Master of the Free and Accepted Masons, Carson Lodge #1.
Donald Crosby was an honest person and a sometimes outspoken individual for the things he believed in. He was always a loyal friend and a devoted family man. He was a humble man who was forever grateful for all that he had in life. He was most proud of his bride 'Rosebud', his home, and above all, his family. Don will be sorely missed by all.
Services will be held on Tuesday, May 1st at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter Episcopal Church in Carson City, 305 N. Minnesota Street. In lieu of flowers and for those wishing to honor Don's memory, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.