William Donald Crosby

William Donald “Don” Crosby, 89, of Shawnee, went home to be with his Lord on November 28, 2025.

Don was born in Konawa, Oklahoma, on August 7, 1936—one of the hottest days in a record-setting Oklahoma summer—to William Cleatus and Hazel Marie (Degraffenreid) Crosby. He grew up attending country schools in Seminole County—Vamoosa, Roosevelt, Prairie View, and Pleasant Grove—before graduating from Shawnee High School in 1954.

He began his college career at Oklahoma Baptist University, then transferred to Oklahoma State University, where he earned a degree in Industrial Engineering and Management in 1959.

On February 20, 1959, Don married the love of his life, Gloria Mae Denney. That same year he joined the Air National Guard, proudly serving for six years. He built a 33-year career at Tinker Air Force Base, working in the Engineering and Planning Branches of the Aircraft, Industrial Laboratories, and Propulsion Divisions, eventually rising to Supervisor of the Resource and Planning Section. After retiring from Tinker, Don stayed active fixing up rental properties and tending his yard and garden.

A faithful member of Liberty Baptist Church since 1954, Don was ordained as a deacon in 1963 and served joyfully for over six decades.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brothers, Cleatus Rex and Curtis Ross Crosby; sister, Lois Jean Clowdus; and his grandparents, Charles David and Ethel Degraffenreid and John B. and Lida Crosby.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Gloria Crosby, of the home; son, Randy and wife Tina of Shawnee; daughters, Sandra Hughes and husband Joe of Edmond and Carla Betts and husband Ray of Yukon; six grandchildren: Sam Crosby and wife Brittany of Holdenville, Nathan Crosby and wife Shivani of Richmond, Texas, Melanie and Kyle Hughes and Ryan and Caleb Betts; two great-granddaughters, Brinna and Hadley Crosby; as well as a host of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Don’s life was marked by hard work, quiet strength, and unwavering love for his family and his Savior. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, 2:00 p.m., at Liberty Baptist Church, 711 E. Federal St., Shawnee, Oklahoma 74804

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Liberty Baptist Church Missions.