Charles Thomas “Chuck” Crosby ,age 89 of Ozark, Missouri

Charles Thomas “Chuck” Crosby, 89 of Ozark, entered into rest on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. Graveside services were held Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson under the direction of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson with Rev. Jay Scribner officiating.

Chuck was born in Branson, MO on May 14, 1934 to Floyd Peter Crosby and Alvenia Louella (Bryant) Crosby.  He grew up in Branson and had a spectacular sports career in his time at Branson High School. He was called the “Branson Bomber” during high school and excelled in basketball and track, including being part of the Missouri all-state basketball team his senior year. Chuck, or Charlie as he was known then, went on to play basketball for A.L. Weiser at Drury.  He was the first Drury player to score over 1,000 points.  He was the first basketball player to earn NAIA All-American honors and his senior year earned First-Team All MCAU selection. Chuck held other numerous Drury records in basketball, was a four-year letterman and also lettered in track.  His athletic success earned him a nomination to join the USA Olympic All-Star team his senior year, but he declined because of the time he would miss at school and he was very conscientious about his academic studies.  At the end of his senior season, Charlie’s jersey, #44 was retired and hangs in the O’Reilly Family Event Center today.  He was later inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame Class of 1998.

Along with his athletic success, Charlie had many other accomplishments while at Drury.  He was an active member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity, the Student Senate, the “D” club and the student athletic commission.  He was a Junior Rotarian and a “Joe College” nominee.  He graduated on May 28, 1956 from Drury and took his love of learning and sports into teaching.

 Chuck was a successful coach and teacher in Canton, IL as well as different schools in Missouri.  His retirement brought him back to Southwest Missouri.  He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Branson.

 Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Garl Wayne Crosby, Betty Daniels and Maxine Woodworth.

 Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Jane Anne Swanson (William F., III); grandson, William F. Swanson, IV; granddaughter, Elisabeth Ann Swanson; brothers Lloyd Crosby (Norma) of Springfield, MO, Max Crosby (Priscilla) of Kansas City, MO; and sister, Judy Scheihing of Pierce City, MO.

 Chuck will be remembered for his athletic achievements, his leadership and the positive impact he made on those who came across his path.  He was a man of strength, determination and faith who will be deeply missed.

Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory

1638 East State Highway 76

Branson, Missouri 65616

Telephone – 417-334-3670

Fax – 417-336-3670