Donald Dean Crossland, 83 years old of Lubbock, TX passed away April 17, 2018. He was born to Pindal and Jessie Crossland of Aliquippa, PA. As a young boy in Aliquippa he roamed the hills and woods and delivered newspapers to the boyhood homes of Mike Ditka and Joe Namath. He emerged from this steel-mill town and joined the US Air Force in B52 Aircraft Communication Maintenance in Nov. 1952.
He saw the love of his life, Ladonna Svaniga, bobbing in the Gulf waters near Biloxi, Mississippi while he was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base. They met, fell quickly in love and 14 months later married in Chicago 63 years ago. They moved to Texas immediately following their marriage, and after moving many times in his career advancement, they finally settled in Lubbock where they resided for 52 years.
Don held positions at the A&P, The Company Store, Convair, and retired after 34 years from the FAA in 1994. In retirement he performed insurance inspections for a variety of companies. He was an active board member of Professional Airways Systems Specialists (PASS) and National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) for many years.
Don and Donna loved traveling by car all over the United States to visit relatives, friends, or just to see the sights. They were involved in many organizations throughout the years from scouting to Babe Ruth Baseball, gems and mineral club, and square dancing. When beginning a new hobby Don had a tendency to go “all-in”. Some of his hobbies included wood working, tinkering with electronics, refurbishing music machines, and building miniature doll houses. But besides Donna, his biggest love was spoiling his grandchildren. He entertained them with stories, card tricks, puzzles, fishing, baseball games, and fun music from the 50’s and 60’s.
He was predeceased by his parents; siblings, Richard Crossland, Barbara Peshanka; and a granddaughter Jessie Crossland. He is survived by his wife, Donna; sons: Dean Crossland (Patty), David Crossland, Dale Crossland (Dina); daughter, Dawn Hennig (Kent); 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at Resthaven Funeral Home.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church Main Chapel. Inurnment will be held at a later date at a National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Liver Foundation or Charity of Choice.
Please visit www.resthavenfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
