David Crosley

David Crosley, 71, of Parkston, SD, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Avera St. Benedict Hospital, Parkston. 

A graveside service will be 1:30 p.m., Monday, July 15, 2024, at the Parkston Cemetery with full military honors. A reception will follow the burial at Heritage Square Complex. Feel free to stop by and visit with the family. 

David Ray Crosley was born July 2, 1952, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Lynch, NE to Ross E. and Alyene R. (Johnson) Crosley of Niobrara, NE. During David’s early years, several relocations were experienced. The Crosley’s (father/ Ross F & son/ Ross E) farmland at Niobrara, NE was sold to the Army Corps of Engineers due to the development / construction of Gavins Point Dam that spans the Missouri River at Yankton, SD. The sale led to the Family moving to a farm near Hurley, SD. The second move was to South Sioux City, NE where his father worked at the Swift & Co. meatpacking plant and the third move to Parker, SD was where his parents owned and operated a Bar. At Christmas break (1970/1971) the family moved to Parkston, SD upon purchasing a Bar, but David remained in Parker staying with family friends until his graduation in May of 1971. In the fall of 1971, David continued his education at Mitchell Technical College receiving an associate degree in Culinary Arts/Chef Training. In 1972, David enlisted into the United States Army serving as Cook / Kitchen Supervisor until his honorable discharge on July 11, 1975. 

Following his discharge from the military, David continued his education at Madison Area Technical College at Madison, WI where he received an associate degree in Restaurant and Hotel Cookery. David spent most of his life working as a Chef in several areas throughout South Dakota, Missouri and cruise ships. Later David enjoyed life driving trucks over-the-road, getting to see and visit many beautiful places. When it was time to slow down and retire, David returned to Parkson where he drove the school bus for the local school district for several years. 

Upon David’s retirement he enjoyed being back in Parkston where he could attend sporting events, work in the garden, tend to his flowers, listen to music in the park during the summers and socialize with friends. He truly found fulfillment at Heritage Square with the others in the complex. 

David’s life will be forever remembered by his children: Tanner (Sara) Wells of Mitchell, Ashley (Jeremy) McCart of Natchitoches, LA, and Landon Crosley of Raymore, MO; grandchildren: Braxton and Braelyn Wells of Mitchell, SD and Addison, Paisley, and Brody McCart of Natchitoches, LA; sisters: Diane (Bill) Pape, Mitchell, SD and Darla (Bruce) Crosley Rohrer, Graham, WA; aunt: Bev (Bob) Boes; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friend, Connie Bietz-Sonne of Parkston.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Daniel Crosley.

The family extends thanks to the Sioux Falls VA for the outstanding care for David, to Core Care for their weekly home services, Avera Home Health nursing services, and to St. Benedict’s for their care during David’s final time. 

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with David’s arrangements.