William L. Crosier

William “Bill” Lefel Crosier of Brownsburg, IN passed peacefully December 30th, he was surrounded by family at Life’s Journey Hospice in Avon IN.

Mr. Crosier was born January 4, 1928 in Connersville, IN to Layman and Gladys Crosier. He was a graduate of Connersville High School. Following graduation, he worked as an apprentice draftsman at Roots Connersville Blower Corporation. From 1950-1952 he served in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea as combat engineer; he was honored for his distinguished service with a Bronze Star and the Korean War Service Medal. After his return, he attended Ball State University, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. He later attended Purdue University, earning an additional master’s degree in guidance and administration.

He began his teaching career as an industrial arts teacher at Elkhart High School, where he met a fellow teacher, JoAnn (Jody) Kallner. The two were married on June 28, 1958, and enjoyed sixty-five years of marriage together.

He progressed to positions at Warsaw Community High School as guidance director and assistant principal. Bill then accepted a position as the first principal of the then new North Montgomery High School near Crawfordsville, IN. He retired from this position in 1990, after nineteen and a half years of dedicated service.

During his working years he was active in many professional associations. Following retirement, he held a number of responsible positions in the Indiana Retired Teachers Association, culminating as vice-president at the state level.

Bill was a lifelong aviation enthusiast, progressing from building models as a child to riding his bike to the airport for flying lessons before he had a car. He earned his private pilot certificate shortly after graduating high school, and then worked to earn the money to purchase his own aircraft, an Aeronca Champ. Later in life, he rekindled this love of aviation with his son purchasing a Piper Cherokee which they flew together.

He was also an enthusiastic sports fan, faithfully supporting the teams at his schools, those of his alma maters, as well as the Colts and Pacers.

He is survived by his wife JoAnn, son Bradley of Avon, IN, and grandchildren Jac (Jordyn), Lauren, and Grace. He is also survived by sisters Hazel Copper of Connersville and Masha (Lloyd) Schenkel of Indianapolis, and sister-in-law Jane, as well as by many delightful and loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents, Layman and Gladys, younger brother Eugene, and brother-in-law George Copper.

A military honors ceremony is being planned for the spring of 2024.

Bill strongly believed in the ability of education to uplift and transform lives, and of the power of excellent teachers to positively influence future generations. For those wishing to make a memorial contribution, Bill would encourage you to support a student or a scholarship fund for students wanting to become teachers, such as the Indiana Retired Teachers Scholarship Foundation – since the world will always need more excellent and dedicated people in education.