<p>~ Lovingly Written by the Family ~</p><p><br></p><p>Ronald Dean Crosswhite, 83, of Joplin, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on February 1, 2025.</p><p><br></p><p>Ron was born June 18, 1941 in Joplin, MO, the second of five children, to Clarence and Juanita Crosswhite. He graduated from Joplin High School in 1959. After high school, Ron served 4 years in the U.S. Marine Corp, stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.</p><p><br></p><p>During his service in the Marine Corp, he met Phyllis George and they were united in marriage on December 21, 1961. This union produced three children.</p><p>Following his military service, Ron eventually took a job with IBM, where he retired from in 2001. His career with IBM took the family to live in St. Louis, MO, Nevada, MO, Diamond, MO, Atlanta, GA, and eventually back to Joplin, where he retired.</p><p><br></p><p>Ron had numerous hobbies throughout his life including, getting his pilot’s license, motorcycling, bicycling and traveling. He was musically talented and played several instruments as well as, enjoyed singing in various church choirs. He also served as a deacon for many years and was a member of Hope Church in Joplin.</p><p>In June of 2001, Ron was in a bicycle accident that left him paralyzed. His devoted wife, Phyllis, took care of him for 23 years, until his passing.</p><p><br></p><p>Ron is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of 63 years; his three children, Glenn Crosswhite and wife, Jennifer, Greg Crosswhite and wife, Lori, both of Joplin, and Crysti Olinger and husband, Dale of Gahanna, Ohio; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; one sister, Carolyne Vandevier and husband, Joe, of Owasso, OK; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.</p><p><br></p><p>Ron is preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Gary Crosswhite; sister, Denise Pennel; and brother, Roger Crosswhite.</p><p><br></p><p>Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary.</p><p><br></p><p>Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.</p>
June 18, 1941 - February 1, 202506/18/194102/01/2025
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Ronald Dean Crosswhite
3 Trees have been planted in memory of Ronald Crosswhite.