Albert Jean Crosthwait

Our beloved Dad Albert Jean "Dancin' Al" Crosthwait passed away Wednesday night, March 12th, surrounded by his children at Freeman Hospital, Joplin, Missouri. He was 88. Al was born on Halloween, October 31, 1925, to Albert Logan Crosthwait and Virginia Kegin McCaughey, in East St. Louis, IL.

During the depression, the family moved to Kansas City, Kansas. His parents owned People’s Produce in KCK and he started working there at age 12. He drove the company truck by age 14 and delivered chickens to customers all over the Kansas City area. Al attended Wyandotte High School until 1943 when he joined the Marines during World War II at age 17. He served aboard the USS Biloxi as a gun captain and as an orderly to Admiral Aubrey W. Fitch on Guadalcanal.

After the war, he graduated from Kansas City Kansas Junior College, and in 1946 he went to work for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. He retired in 1986 as a General Yardmaster. He also served as Vice President and General Chairman of the Railroad Yardmasters of America.

He married the love of his life Elizabeth Mary Hicks on September 19, 1948, and they were happily married for more than 50 years until she died in June, 1999.

Al is survived by his children Becky (Ron) Mitchell, Joplin; Joe (Janece) Crosthwait, Joplin; Mike (Linda) Crosthwait, Lenexa; Judy Crosthwait, Kansas City, KS. Grandchildren: David Cannon Kinnard, Chicago; Whitney Elizabeth (Chad) Backsen, Lake Ozark; Jodee Nicole Crosthwait, Nashville; Danielle Elizabeth (Brandon) Hawkins, Joplin; Chris (Lauren) Murphy, Overland Park; Megan (Lance) Finley, Shawnee; Brad (Stacy) Mitchell, Aurora, CO; Julie Mitchell Donnan, Tempe, AZ. Great grandchildren: Ava Elizabeth Backsen, Lake Ozark; Wyatt James Donnan, Tempe; Mya Jude Backsen, Lake Ozark; Lucy Louise Finley, Shawnee; and a grandson to be born in July to Dani and Brandon in Joplin.

In addition to his wife Lizzie, he was preceded in death by his brother Robert last November, a son Albert Sidney, and his parents.

After losing his precious Lizzie, Al stepped out of his comfort zone and joined Kansas City’s nightlife. He befriended many as he visited the clubs from Johnson County to the Power and Light District.

One friend sent this Facebook message to Al: “You will always remain ‘The King of Cool’, ‘A Class Act’, ‘A Kind Man’, and a ‘Hero’ to all for your style and friendly smile. Every friend you met along your dance thru life is a Stepping Stone to Heaven and the dance you have been waiting for. Thank you for the inspiration you have enjoyed sharing for so many years. "Dancin' Albert Crosthwait" ... Show'em how to dance when you get there ... You have definitely lived up to the words "Carpe Diem" for you have seized your days and shared joy to many.“

He was a true example of a gentleman who lived life to the fullest and was joy personified. He practiced yoga for more than 50 years, loved dancing, worked tirelessly and smiled through every situation. Al loved traveling, his model railroad, woodworking, and building family heirlooms. He wore a Marine hat proudly for years but shunned the title of hero as he would say “I’m no hero…those fellas that didn’t get to come home are the heroes.” Al never met a stranger, loved people, and enjoyed Kansas City’s nightlife.

Al would sign off this life as he would his emails for years: “Remember, you should be dancin'! Semper fi.”

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 18 at Chapel Hill/Butler Funeral Home, 701 N. 94th, Kansas City, KS. Friends may call from 5-7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Officiant: Richard Rosewicz; Eulogy: Grandson David Cannon Kinnard

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the National World War I Museum at the Liberty Memorial, 100 W. 26th, Kansas City, MO 64108; www.theworldwar.org.

Pallbearers: David Cannon Kinnard, Whitney Backsen, Dani Hawkins, Jodee Crosthwait, Chris Murphy, and Megan Finley; Honorary pallbearers: Brad Mitchell, Julie Mitchell Donnan