Leonard Crofford – Thompsonville, IL

Leonard Crofford, of Thompsonville, IL, went home to his Heavenly Father on April 16, 2024, just one day after celebrating his 103rd birthday.

Leonard was born on April 15, 1921, to Andy and Zetta (Ward) Crofford. He married Rosaline Louise Alexander on October 6th, 1945, and together they shared 75 years of marriage until her death in 2020. Leonard was an unwavering caregiver to his wife until her passing. He faithfully served his God and attended Parrish Baptist Church.
Leonard worked in a number of trades throughout his lifetime. Early on he served his country in the Navy and later the Army. Although he rarely spoke of it, Leonard is one of the few WWII veterans in the area to be present at Wheeler Army Airfield/Schofield Barracks on the infamous day Pearl Harbor was attacked. He has told the story of being blown from his bunk and remembering precisely the faces of the pilots flying overhead. Moments embedded, but not discussed.

Once out of the military, he and Rosaline settled down and started their family. They resided throughout Indiana, spending many years with their children in Northern Indiana. They shared five children together, Ron, Connie, Diana, Sharon and Leonard. During his family years, Leonard spent time in a variety of trades. He was a farmer, a dairy farmer, a gas station and dry cleaning business owner, he worked on heating and air, worked as a foreman for a trucking company and retired as a diesel mechanic, moving to Southern Illinois for the remainder of his retirement.

In addition to his five children, he was blessed with 17 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. His family was his greatest achievement and most valued possession. His blue eyes sparkled whenever he spoke of his family.

Leonard became a Master Mason of the 33rd degree of the Colfax Lodge #378 Lowell, Indiana. He was 72 year member of the Lodge. On April 15th, 2023, just one year ago, he became a member of the Scottish Rite and a recipient of the illustrious Harry S. Truman award, an achievement only accomplished by a few. His list of achievements and honors is endless throughout his lifetime. He has served his country and his God with unwavering heart, dedication, integrity and faith. His legacy will remain unmatched.

Mr. Crofford is survived by four children and their spouses, Ron Crofford, Diana (Larry) Lenz, Sharon (Ron) Wright and Leonard (Gail) Crofford; 16 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Dale and David Crofford and a sister, Shirley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Rosaline, brother, Ray, sister, Faye, daughter, Connie and two grandsons, Rodney and Joshua Watson.

“Leonard didn’t just live for 103 years, he was ALIVE every second of every day for 103 years”, he was the epitome of a man, husband, father and faithful servant of God. His deeds will be graciously rewarded and he will be sorely missed.

Services for Leonard have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Reverend Howard Johnson, officiating.
Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Denning Cemetery, West Frankfort, IL with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the Army Honors Team.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.