Wilburn Lawrence Crossland, 90, of Festus died April 24, 2020. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Mr. Crossland became a longtime resident of Festus and worked at Martin Oil and Caveland before spending more than 40 years as the custodian for Sacred Heart School in Festus and First Baptist Church of Arnold. He loved God and through the years was a member of Immanuel Lutheran in Crystal City, Christian Outreach Center in Hillsboro and Radiant Life Church in Festus. He was born Dec. 10, 1929, in Romance, Ark., the son of the late Eddie Marvin and Penelope Lucinda (Stracener) Crossland.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years: Elsie (Wahlers) Crossland, whom he met at the White Grill in Festus when she waited on him and served him chili instead of jelly for breakfast; two daughters: Zoe (Bruce) Cooper of Festus and Carla AuBuchon of Pevely; three sons: Danny Crossland of Arnold, Ken (Chris) Crossland of Winter Springs, Fla., and Marty (Angie) Crossland of Arnold; and seven grandchildren: Joshua (Lisa) Boyer, Justin Crossland, Mindy (Ben) Gonzalez, Callan Crossland, Jared AuBuchon, Colleen AuBuchon and Keith Crossland.
He was preceded in death by a granddaughter: Kasey Boyer; and eight siblings: Minnie (Raymond) Wiggs, Coleman (Deola) Crossland, Alvie (Juanita) Crossland, Denver (Syble) Crossland, Hazel (James) Waymire, Audrey Crossland and infant twins Merle and Verle Crossland.
A graveside ceremony was held at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City, officiated by Pastor Randy Gray and Pastor Willard Waymire. Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Arrangements were under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.