Hamilton County

Lt. (j.g.) Carlton Whitley Crosley

 

 

Carlton Whitley Crosley was born Nov. 25, 1915 to Varick Chittenden and Gladys Call Whitley Crosley. He died Dec. 23, 1999 and is buried in Graceland Cemetery, Webster City, IA.

Lt. Crosley served with the U.S. Navy in World War II as a staff communications officer for a group of LCT’s in the Asiatic Theatre including the invasion of Okinawa.

Obituary: Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA - Dec. 27, 1999

Carlton Crosley, 85, Webster City

Carlson Crosley, 85, Webster City, died Dec. 23, 1999 at the Hamilton Hospital in Webster City. A memorial service was held Monday at the First Congregational Church in Webster City, with Rev. James Buffington officiating. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery. Graveside military rites were conducted by American Legion Post #191 of Webster City.

Carlton Whitley Crosley, son of Varick and Gladys Whitley Crosley, was born Nov. 25, 1914 at Webster City. He received his education in Webster City schools and attended the University of Iowa, receiving a degree in business. He joined Crosley Investment Company in 1936. On Sept. 19, 1938, he married Helen E. Mingle at Iowa City. The couple resided in Webster City. To this union, two sos were born. During World War II, he served with the U.S. Navy in the Asiatic Theatre. His major battle action was the invasion of Okinawa. His rank was lieutenant, j.g. Following his discharge he returned to Webster City. His business career spanned a period of more than 50 years. He had served as president of two insurance agencies—Crosley and Foster, Inc., and Association Group Agency. In addition to insurance, he was active in abstract of title, real estate and a mortgage lending business. He was president of Hamilton County Abstract Company until it was sold in 1985. He was past president of the Iowa Land Title Association and served on the Executive Committee of the American Land Title Association. He retired from business in 1993. He continue to reside in his home in Webster City.

Helen Crosley died July 19, 1965. On June 19, 1970, he married Mary Maxon Bosworth Clifton at Webster City. She died on Nov. 11, 1990.

Survivors are his sons and daughter-in-law, David Crosley, Palo Alto, CA, Thomas and Judith Crosley of Saratoga, CA, grandchildren Stephen R. Crosley and Jaime L. Crosley and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Mary Elinor Millen and Virginia Sideman.

He was a member of the First Congregational Church, a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, Webster City Elks Club, past president of the Rotary, a member of the American Legion Post #191, the Des Moines Club, Webster City Country Club, he chaired special fund raising efforts at his church, he was an Eagle scout of Troop 17, later serving as troop committee chairman, representing the American Legion Post, sponsor of the troop. He began his love of flying in 1931 and later achieved a licensed instrument rating. He was also active in many community projects and community affairs.

Memorial contributions may be sent to either the Helen and Carlton Crosley Memorial Scholarship Fund at Iowa Central Community College, or the Kendall Young Library.

Source: ancestry.com