Donnie moved with his family to Nashville as a boy. After high school, he enlisted and served in the United States Army. While stationed at Red Stone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, he received training in electronics. Donnie and his family were also stationed at Fort Bliss headquarters in El Paso, Texas. During his service he received several commendations and was a rifle sharpshooter and grenade expert. His primary duties involved refitting Vulcan tanks with electronic components. He later worked in the Electronic Signal Division with the Traffic and Parking Commission of Nashville Metropolitan Government until retirement at twenty-eight years of service.
Donnie led a simple yet interesting life and was a vivid storyteller. Later in life he was a homebody that enjoyed a great hamburger and an ice-cold Coca-Cola. He was a fan of the Tennessee Titans and several college football teams. Sports aside, Donnie, along with his twin brother, Ronnie, was an avid fan of NASCAR favoring Sterling Marlin and Kyle Busch. Donnie was a country music enthusiast. He knew not only the artists and their music, but could often name the musicians on the recordings, as well as the producers and writers of the recorded projects.
Donnie was preceded in death by his father, Louis Lavert Crosslin; his mother, Mary Kate Holleman Teague; twin brother, Ronnie Wayne “R.C.” Crosslin; and grandson, Jacob Julian Ferryman. He is survived by daughter, Amie Vaughn (Tim King); son James “Jason” Crosslin (Heidi); daughter, Kelly Lankford (William); Grandchildren Courtney Vaughn, Kayla Vaughn, Kendall Vaughn, Austin Crosslin (Peyton), Alissa Crosslin, Andrew Crosslin, Justin Colbert, Alijah Crosslin, Jesse Don Crosslin, Steven Lankford, Sabrena Lankford, Searra Lankford; sister, Lesa Crosslin; nephew, Josh Crosslin (Cait); and nieces Misty Heilmann (Curtis) and Carla Martin (Perry). Donnie also leaves behind seven great grandchildren and numerous friends and extended family members.
There will be a Gathering of Family and Friends at the Hermitage Funeral Home on Sunday, May 19, from 3pm – 6pm, and on Monday, May 20, from 10am – 12pm. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 12:00pm in the Tulip Grove Chapel at the funeral home with Pastor Corey Minter officiating. Josh Crosslin, Steven Lankford, Austin Crosslin, Andrew Crosslin, Alijah Crosslin, Phillip Boswell, and Jason Milliken will serve as pallbearers. Following the service, Donnie will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, Tennessee. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Crosslin family at www.HermitageFH.com.
