Published: October 09, 2008 06:25 pm         

Robert H. Crosby, Jr.

PICAYUNE — Robert H. Crosby, Jr. passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at Christwood. He was born on October 5, 1920 in Picayune, Miss. to Robert Howell and Ethel May Crosby. He has been known by numerous titles though the course of his 88 years — patriot, husband, father, grandfather, entrepreneur and philanthropist are the most prominent.

After completing over three years of service in the U. S. Army during World War II, Crosby made Louisiana his home. He and his wife, Elizabeth would become part of those returning veterans and their spouses known as “the greatest generation.” Not only did he become a successful and highly regarded businessman, he endeavored to better his adopted state.

A graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he settled in DeRidder, La., in 1945 where he immediately opened Crosby Chemicals, Inc. which has evolved into Crosby Land & Resources. As recently as six years ago, he served as Chairman of the Board. Throughout his career, Crosby devoted time to various corporate boards, including Central Louisiana Electric Company, Whitney National Bank, Pan American Life Insurance Co., and Ochsner Medical Foundation. He served as Chairman of the LSU Foundation and the Louisiana Forestry Association. He also served as Grand Master of the Masons of Louisiana, as a member the Boy Scouts of America National Council and as a member of the National Explorer Scouting Committee.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; two brothers, Richard and Thomas Crosby; and one sister, Mary McDuff.

He is survived by: his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth Hendricks Crosby; four children, Betty Bergin, Lillian Maurin, Carla McClelland and Robert H. Crosby, III; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; one sister, Margaret Cox; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend memorial services on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at 10 a.m. at St. Timothy Methodist Church, 335 Asbury Drive, Mandeville, La. Visitation on Saturday will begin at 9 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family request contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Louisiana Chapter, 2605 River Road, New Orleans, LA 70121, (504) 849-9081; North Oaks Hospice, 15790 Paul Vega Md Drive, Hammond, LA 70403, (985) 230-7620, or St. Timothy Methodist Church, 335 Asbury Drive, Mandeville, LA 70448, (985) 626-3307.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to E.J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, La. Sign Guest Book online at www.ejfieldingfh.com.