Hugh Crosson

Hugh William (“Bill”, “Mr. Wonderful”) Crosson, 72, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday July 27th, 2020 in Richmond, Texas.

Hugh was born the second child, and first son to William Leonard and Lorraine Florence (McLaughlin) Crosson on Tuesday January 27th, 1948 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He graduated from Shawnee High School and attended St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Lima, Ohio.  He served honorably in the US Navy from 1969-1971 and was a Vietnam War Veteran. He was a proud American but was equally proud of his Irish heritage.

He was preceded in Death by his parents William and Lorraine Crosson, many family pets, and his prized 1996 Chevy Impala SS “Lucille”.

He is survived by: his wife of 40 years Linda Anne Crosson, daughter Mollie Lorraine (Crosson) Renteria, grandson Jimmy L. Renteria III; sister Diane (Crosson) Lyons and husband William (Bill) of Ohio, brothers, Steve Crosson of California, Rob Crosson and Wife Judy, Jeff Crosson and Wife Nancy of California; Step-Mother, Betty Graf Crosson; Step-Sisters, Leanne, Virginia, Patricia, and Linda; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other friends and loved ones.

Hugh was a complicated, colorful character to say the least, and loved not only telling, but re-telling you the same story sometimes two or three times in a single conversation. If the story happened to involve money, you can rest assured in each re-telling the nominal value went up significantly, or exponentially in the case money was owed to him. He thought himself a chef, and while no one can dispute he did make “the best” lasagna, alas his Thanksgiving dressing will not be missed (not even by the dogs, who refused to eat it).

He was often embarrassing in public settings, but excelled at events like graduations, concerts, grocery shopping, etc., whether by sticking his fingers in his mouth to whistle ridiculously loudly, hooting and hollering from excitement, or heckling in general (both the performer and the audience).  While he did dress up for formal occasions, his go-to look typically consisted of knee-high socks (with a wad of cash bulging from the side), elastic waist shorts worn at or above the navel, and a t-shirt securely tucked-in.

He was outgoing. He’d strike up a conversation with anyone and didn’t know a stranger, much to the chagrin of anyone accompanying him anywhere. He was an avid dog lover. He was also a huge music lover, especially of songs where he could obnoxiously replace the lyric “you” with “Hugh”, e.g., Sinatra’s “It had to be “Hugh” or The Beatles “She loves “Hugh”.

He battled alcohol addiction most of his life, presumably as a result of untreated PTSD resulting from his service in Vietnam.  His addiction and behaviors sometimes isolated him from the friends and family he dearly loved. He was a proud man, who didn’t apologize or ask for help as often as he could or should have. He was compassionate and opened his home to anyone in need. He was the best father, grandfather, and friend, and he will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, visitation and funeral services are not currently feasible. E.P. Compean Funeral Directors of Rosenberg, Texas have arranged for a direct burial at the Houston National Cemetery on Wednesday August 5th, 2020 at 10:45 AM.  The family plans to celebrate his life in the future and will share the plans friends when they are finalized.

Everyone who remembers him is asked to celebrate his life in their own way.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memoriam to the Wounded Warrior Project to help other veterans and their families suffering with PTSD.