Harold Lee Croxton

Harold L. Croxton, 103, died Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Spokane Washington. Born August 29, 1920, in Schuyler County, Illinois, he was the son of Bertha Edna (Peck) Croxton and Joel Dwight Croxton.

He graduated from the University of Illinois, class of 1942, then joined Bethlehem Steel Corporation in the Accounting Department. After two years, he was called up from the U.S. Naval Reserves. He attended boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Chicago, then served on the U.S.S. Roy O. Hale as an ensign in the war effort. He subsequently returned to Bethlehem Steel until his retirement.

He married L. Rosemere Peck in 1947. They had four children: Gregory L. (Columbia, SC), Susan Weader (PA), Jeffrey L. (deceased at five months in 1951), and Cynthia Flora (Darrell, Spokane). Harold and Rosemere are survived by four grandchildren and one great-grandson. Rosemere died on Harold’s 102^nd birthday, just a few days prior to her own 97^th birthday.

He is predeceased by four brothers: Billie P., B. Keith, Robert B., and Wallace R., as well as a sister, Joan D. Long. A fifth brother, Joel J., lives in Golden.

Harold and Rosemere were members of Wesley Methodist Church in Bethlehem, PA for many years.

Harold and Rosemere travelled the world, visiting 42 countries on 6 continents. They were both avid hikers and mountain climbers. He was a member of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and completed the entire Appalachian Trail. They also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to the 15,000’ level.

Harold was also a leader with the Boy Scout troop in Coopersburg, PA for many years, serving as the Hiking Merit Badge Counselor.

There will be a Graveside service to honor Harold at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March18, 2024, at Huntsville Cemetery in Huntsville, Illinois, with Dixie Croxton officiating. Full military rites by the Military Funeral Honors Detail and the Rushville American Legion Post #4. Triplett & Wood Funeral Home of Rushville is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to any of the following organizations or to a charity of the donor’s choice: University of Illinois, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, or Boy Scouts of America.