Roger Dale Crosby

Roger Dale Crosby, 89 of Midland, passed away at Henry Ford in Detroit, MI on November 19, 2024. He was born to the late Carl and Beulah (Sherwood) Crosby on April 6, 1935, in Midland, MI.
Roger married his one true love Carol Brink on March 5, 1956, and they shared 40 years of love, traveling, remodeling and building their family together until she preceded him in death on June 5, 1996.
CPO Roger Crosby retired in 1973 after serving 20 years in the US Navy. His duties included hull technician, damage control, and training new recruits. He also served with the fleet training group in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He was a skilled carpenter, pipe fitter and was educated in HVAC and could perform the maintenance of anything. When he had free time, he made fudge and other treats for the crew.
Roger was first and foremost a wonderful husband and a beloved father. He mentored his children and grandchildren in the art of automotive repair and the "flowery language" needed to fix cars. He enjoyed spending his free time with his family teaching them to fish, swim, garden, raise chickens, and the art of telling true stories and tall tales. He was nicknamed the "pepper man" by some and the "candy man" by others, for his unique culinary creations of salsa, "the spice", fudge, peanut brittle and other amazing dishes.
Roger is survived by his daughters; Denise Crosby and Michelle Walker; his grandchildren: Joshua (Rachel) Coons, Stacy (Jayme Dauer) Coons and Taliesin (Masa) Kawamura. His great grandchildren; Trinity, Gabriel and Delilah Coons and Morrigan Finendale; and his sister Beulah McCann; brother-in-law Roland Brink and sisters-in-law Martha Brink and Hai Tran.
He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and special family members that are too many to name. Roger "adopted" many people and loved everyone. He was thankful to everyone who helped care for him during the past years and was very fond of all the staff at MyMichigan Health - Midland, The Wound Treatment Center and most recently Henry Ford Hospital.
He is preceded in death by his wife Carol and son Robert. Also, his sister Connie, brother Bob and his nephew Thai Crosby, who he was so grateful to have found after many years of searching! Although we cannot name them all, we know he will be greeted by many other beloved family members and friends who have traveled before him.
A cremation has taken place per his wishes. A celebration of life will be announced in the spring to coincide with a graveside memorial service at Midland City Cemetery. Full military honors will be under auspices of the US Navy as well as the Midland County Veterans Service Organization. In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider St. Jude's, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or St Joseph's Indian School in his honor. Smith-Miner Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Crosby family; to share a special memory please visit www.smithminer.com.