William Parker Crossland

William Parker Crossland, of Elkhart, Texas, passed away on Monday, the 16^th day of January 2023, surrounded by his family.  He was 83 years of age when the Lord called him home to Heaven.  Mr. Crossland was born in Winchester, Tennessee, on the 11^th day of December 1939, to parents Robert Love Crossland and Bessie Mae Odell Crossland.

Mr. Crossland was a strong, independent man, and a hard worker. He was also a highly intelligent man holding three master’s degrees.  Upon graduating from the University of Tennessee, he served in the United States Air Force as a pilot for over twenty years.  He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol for over thirty years.  Mr. Crossland was a true hero in war and throughout his life to his family and friends.     

Mr. Crossland had a passion for planes and flying which showed through in his photography.  He loved to fly and took many amazing pictures from his plane. He liked to capture photos of nature and wildlife in their natural state through the lenses of his camera.  You could often find Mr. Crossland in his garden planting different vegetables. He had a green thumb and could grow just about anything. Mr. Crossland was a Christian and was a very involved member of the Family Worship Center in Waco, Texas, until he moved to be closer to family.  Mr. Crossland was an interesting man who made those around him feel loved and he will be greatly missed.

Mr. Crossland is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Bessie Crossland; and his brothers, Robert Crossland, Jr., James Crossland, and Thomas Crossland.  

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Carolyn Reed Crossland; daughters, Cynthia Warken of Elkhart, Texas and Sheri Reid and husband Gary of Denson Springs, Texas; seven grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren and one on the way. He is also survived by several other family members, and many friends.

Funeral services to honor Mr. Crossland’s life are to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon, on Friday, the 20^th day of January 2023 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel.  Interment with Air Force Military Honors will follow in Starr Cemetery in Elkhart, Texas.

Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at Rhone Funeral Home.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Skyler Reid, Gary Reid, Kevin Jackson, William Warren, and Lucas Chambers.   

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Mr. Crossland’s memory can be directed towards Kenneth Copeland Ministries, 14355 Morris Dido Newark Road, Newark, Texas 76071.

Funeral services for William Parker Crossland are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. 

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