Mr. Herbert Herb Leon McCrossin Obituary (1925 - 2014)

GREENFIELD - Herbert L. McCrossin, 88, died gently and with dignity at his home with family by his side May 4, 2014. He was born Sept. 30, 1925 in Bangor, a son of Frank and Fanny (Bell) McCrossin. Herb adored his wife, Alberta from the first day he met her at age 14. They were destined for a lifetime of love and devoted friendship. They created a family that continues to grow. Herb treasured his childhood friend and fellow adventurer, Ashley Madden, whom he fondly nicknamed John Diamond. Herb was a masterful storyteller with a keen memory. He served his country and his community with pride. He was a proud WWII USMC veteran having served in the Pacific. He was a sharpshooter and communications expert with telephones and radios. His nickname was checkers because he played the game with skill and he was a successful arm wrestler. Upon returning to Maine, he served as a Greenfield constable, selectman, life member of the American Legion, owned and operated a pulp truck business, plowed and sanded roads, worked for HE Sargent construction I95, for 20 years was employed by the University of Maine at both the Bangor and Orono Campuses, and served as the Greenfield Landfill supervisor. He also was a member and served as a deacon of the United Baptist Church of Old Town. One of his favorite verses was Joshua 24:15 "Choose you this day whom ye will serve...as for me and my house we will serve the Lord." He is survived by his loving wife, Alberta; two children and their families: daughter, Nancy Deschane and her husband, Camille of East Millinocket and their children, Christine Horton, Cindy Deschane, and Gina Deschane; son, Stephen McCrossin and his wife, Linda of Greenbush and their children, Amy Potter and her husband, Jamey, Kathy McCrossin and her companion, Ray, Stephanie Thompson and her husband, Adam, Stephen McCrossin Jr. and his wife, Brianne, and son-in-law, Jason Potter; nine great-grandchildren, Emma, Ethan, Tyson, Whitney, Waylan, Gunner, Alexandria, Keegan, Maeve (his birthday present) and soon to be born Forrest. He was predeceased by brother, Alton, and sisters, Julia, Hildred, and Hazel. The family wishes to thank his friends, doctors, nurses, and faithful caregivers for helping Herb live life to the Fullest Semper Fi. Friends and family may gather and celebrate Herb's life 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town, where a funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, with Pastor Bruce Stevens, officiating. Interment with military honors will be follow at the Greenfield Cemetery. Notes of condolences may be left at www.birminghamfuneralhome.com .Published in BDN Maine from May 6 to May 7, 2014