He was born on February 14, 1916 in Hasty, Arkansas, to James George and Amelia (Crabtree) Crossland the fourth of seven children, six boys and one girl. The family moved in a covered wagon to Bartlett, Oklahoma when he was six months old. In 1927, the family moved to a farm near Warner, Oklahoma and later moved to an Oil lease in Hominy; thus introducing Al and his brother, Melvin to work in the oilfields for a dollar a day.
Al enlisted in the Navy with the 31st Construction Battalion where he served in Guam and Bermuda during World War II. After the service, along with his brothers, James and Melvin, he went to work in a gold mine around Quincy, California. He later returned to Adair, Oklahoma and opened a mechanics garage; which he later sold, when offered an oil field foreman position in Hobbs, New Mexico. Around 1950, he met life-long friend, and employer- Pete Peterson. Al worked for Mr. Peterson until retirement at the respectively young age of 70. While working in Brownfield his niece introduced him to Willene Taylor, they later married May 19, 1951 and made their home in Seminole, Texas where they welcomed their only child, Deenie in March of 1952. In 1979, after the birth of their first grandchild Jon Stone, they moved to Lubbock, Texas.
Al and Willene loved spending time with their family at Possum Kingdom Lake, where they had a cabin for a number of years. It is where he taught his beloved granddaughter, Amanda to climb the stairs while instilling in the family an affinity to the water. After his retirement in 1988, he was able to truly enjoy his passions, as an avid golfer, bowler, and a member of First Christian Church, however his wife and family always came first.
He is survived and will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Deenie Stone and husband Rolf; his grandson, Jon Stone and wife Cassie; his granddaughter, Amanda Roberson(Stone) and husband Ricky; he will be fondly remembered by his great-grandchildren: Jordan, Shiloh and Ryder along with his beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, March 18, 2018 at Resthaven Funeral Home.
A Graveside Service will be held at 3:30 p.m., Monday, March 19, 2018 at Resthaven Memorial Park. Followed by A Celebration of Life Service at 5:00 p.m., Monday, March 19, 2018 at First Christian Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Please visit www.resthavenfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
