Richard Vernon Crosby Sr., 1929-2022

Richard Vernon Crosby Sr. passed peacefully from this life on Jan. 5, 2022 in Mineola. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Loretta King Crosby; eight children; 19 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandsons. Richard was born Sept. 20, 1929 in Haverhill, Mass. to Nathan G. And Subina P. (Gazotti) Crosby. After completing high school, he enlisted in the US Air Force. During his 20-year career in Strategic Air Command, Richard flew as a crewman on B-36 bombers, KC-97 and KC-135 refueling tankers. During the Vietnam conflict, he flew over 300 combat missions. He retired in 1968 after attaining the rank of master sergeant. Richard met and married his first wife, Rosemarie D. Rousseau, an AF switchboard operator, early in his career. They would go on to have six children together: Richard Jr., Linda, Allan, Michael, Audrey and Jacqueline. After Richard retired from Carswell AFB, the family stayed in Oak Cliff, where Richard began a new career with the Dallas Police Department as a patrol officer. The family moved to Grand Saline in 1973, and Richard retired from the Dallas PD in 1980, which allowed him time to pursue his many hobbies. Following the death of Rosemarie in 1990, Richard met and married Loretta King in 1992 and the family grew in love as it gained three more boys: George Grundleman, Eric Grundleman and Michael King. Richard and Loretta enjoyed many travels and adventures together until his end, sailing on their last cruise surrounded by three generations of Crosbys over Thanksgiving week 2021. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemarie; daughter, Jacqueline; grandson, Richard III; and great-grandson, Zachary Ritch. Five generations will all miss him dearly.