Owen Crosby

Owen Crosby, 96, of Webster City, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2014 at Crestview Nursing and Rehabilitation. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at Asbury United Methodist Church with Pastor Terra Amundson officiating. Cremains will be laid to rest at the Graceland Cemetery in a private ceremony. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the church. Owen Sylvester Crosby, son of William H. and Grace (McConnell) Crosby, was born on his parent's farm in Webster Township on April 23, 1917. He attended Harmony country school and graduated from Webster City High School in 1934. Owen was a member of the Hamilton County 4-H Marching Band, playing the trombone. On February 23, 1940, he married Viola Fern Short. The couple built their life and family south of Webster City. Owen and Viola worked in partnership to create a successful family farming operation. Owen and Viola taught Sunday school at the Asbury Methodist Church for 25 years and participated in a variety of other church committees and activities. He was a 4-H leader for many years and was actively involved in establishing the United Cooperative, serving on the board of directors for Highview and Webster City Co-ops, Iowa Farm Business Association, serving as Secretary Treasurer, Hamilton County Pork Producers, Mt. Zion Electric Association, Morning Kiwanis, Birthday Club and others. He also enjoyed walking, reading, and most of all, his family. He is survived by his three children and spouses; Gene and Susan Crosby of Urbandale, Lon and Ann Crosby of Webster City, Sandra and Gary Frazer of St. Joseph, MO; five grandchildren, Melinda Crosby-Currans, Brian Crosby, Teresa Crosby-Shey, Kevin Frazer, Ryan Frazer and five great-grandchildren; and one brother, Victor Crosby of Harmony, NC. Owen was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Viola, sisters, Marjorie Juhl (Esterville) Miriam Summey (Longmont, CO), Alice Atanasoff (Frederick, MD), brother Don Crosby (Cedar Rapids) and a grandson, Eric Frazer. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Asbury Methodist Church, Hamilton County 4-H Foundation or the National MS Society.