John K. Croisant

John K. Croisant 1938 - 2008 John Keith Croisant, age 69, of Humboldt, Kansas, peacefully received his gift of eternal life at his home on Saturday, January 5, 2008 after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. He was born in Humboldt, Kansas on July 17, 1938, the son of Orvill and Ruby Sheldon Croisant. John attended South Maple Grove School in rural Humboldt and later graduated from Humboldt High School in the class of 1956. His passion in life was flying, having earned a private pilot's license at the young age of 16. John attended Chanute Junior College for one year before entering the Aviation Cadet program in the United States Air Force. He later attained the rank of Captain and flew B-47 bombers, proudly serving for five years. Upon his honorable discharge from the Air Force, John completed his formal education, earning a Bachelor's of Business Administration degree at the University of Texas at Austin in 1967. While attending UT, he was a general aviation flight instructor and flew F-102 fighter jets as a member of the Texas Air National Guard 182nd Fighter Squadron 149th Fighter Group. He chose an exciting career in aviation, piloting Boeing 727 passenger planes as a Captain for Braniff International Airlines for 25 years. Retiring to the rank of recreational pilot, John invested in the goat meat industry. He enjoyed his second career tending a herd of goats and living the good life on the farm. On March 15, 1980, he married Mary Julia (Julie) Culbertson in San Antonio, Texas. He was the proud and loving father of Bowie Croisant and daughter-in-law Shannon of Kansas City, MO, and Bonnie Croisant of Lawrence, KS. Also missing and celebrating his life are brothers James L. Croisant of Chanango Forks, NY, Joe H. Croisant of Conroe, TX, Jerry O. Croisant of Elsmore, KS, sister DeEtta M. Holcom of Andover, KS, Aunt Josephine Eskridge of Chanute, KS, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and many friends from all over the country with whom he maintained strong relationships throughout his life. John's many hobbies included flying his own Cessna 180, vacationing with family and friends, gardening, tending to his pecan trees, snow skiing, woodworking and working on numerous home improvement projects. He was a member of the St. Peter's Lutheran Church, International 180-185 Club, Humboldt High School Old Grads Association, Humboldt Lions Club, St. Peter's Mens Club and the Braniff Silver Eagles. Family and friends will celebrate John's life in a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Humboldt, Kansas, with Pastor David Meier officiating. In accordance with his wishes, John's ashes will be scattered over the Texas countryside by a close friend from his 1940 WACO-UPF-7. The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 8, at the Penwell-Gabel Humboldt Chapel. Memorials in his name may be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church or the Allen County Hospice and may be left with the funeral home. "To some the sky is the limit. For those who love aviation, the sky is home." PENWELL-GABEL FUNERAL HOME Humboldt, KS 66748 (620) 431-1220