Willie Franklin Crosser

Willie (Bill) Franklin Crosser, Tulsa resident, died early Wednesday morning, August 21, 2019, at the age of 83.

Bill was born September 26, 1935, in Prague, OK to his parents, Kindred and Hermie (Pantlik) Crosser. Bill’s family moved to McLoud, Oklahoma when he was young and when he was only 6 years old, his father died. He moved to Tulsa his senior year and graduated from Will Rogers High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served during the Korean War from 1953 to 1956. Bill worked as a Musician during his life, it was his passion. He met the love of his life, Jeanne (Roberts) Crosser, and they were married August 13, 1960, in Tulsa, OK.

Bill had many talents and hobbies. Bill’s first horse was a tan palomino called Trigger. When Bill was only 12 or 13 years old, he rode his bicycle 12 miles to Shawnee to his first concert to hear Hank Williams perform. Bill’s first record purchase was a Johnny Cash 45. Later, Bill owned his own barbershop called The Longhorn Barbershop, had a band called the Country Roadrunners, loved music, and especially playing it. Bill could play anything with strings, but his main instrument was lead guitar. Bill’s favorite types of music to play were Rockabilly, Country & Western, Gospel and Rock n Roll. Throughout his life, Bill performed to crowds large and small from Bakersfield, California to Rooster Days in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Highlights included playing with such legendary greats as Buck Owens, Jerry Van Dyke, Wanda Jackson, Tommy Duncan of Bob Will’s Texas Playboys, Fred Maddux, Joe Maphis, T Texas Tyler, Bobby Helms and more. Bill toured with Bobby Helms who had the hit songs Fraulein, My Special Angel and Jingle Bell Rock. Bill and his Country Roadrunners played in various places such as on the John Chick Show on Channel 8, as well as at the Tulsa State Fair, Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa and many other restaurants and nightclubs. Bill performed with friends such as Earl Laney, Bill Carter and many others. In the early years, he was known as Waterdog Willie!

Bill was more than capable fixing his cars and helping maintain his families’ vehicles. Bill was handy with many tasks such as plumbing, electric wiring, circuitry, roofing and construction. Along with performing music, Bill worked at the following companies: American Airlines, Rockwell International, North American, Lowrance and Crosser Plumbing. He was never without a flashlight.

He is preceded in death by Jeanne Crosser (Wife), Kevin Crosser (Son), Kindred Crosser (Father), Hermie Crosser (Mother), Dorothy Edminsten (Sister), Georgia Fleissner (Sister), Jack Crosser (Brother), and Eugene Crosser (Brother).

Bill leaves many loving memories to be cherished by his family, Gregory Crosser - son, of Tulsa, Matthew (and Angela) Crosser - son, of Tulsa, Jewel Wright - sister, Bettye Dicks - sister, Taylor (and Chance) McCool -grandchild, Brittany Crosser - grandchild, Kohl Crosser - grandchild, Brandon Crosser - grandchild, Jacob (and Hannah) Crosser - grandchild, Abby Crosser - grandchild, Mickey McCool - great-grandchild, Thea Crosser - great-grandchild, as well as many other loving relatives and a host of friends. Bill will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Viewing/Visitation will be Friday evening 5pm – 8pm at Schaudt Tulsa Funeral Service, 5757 S. Memorial Drive, Tulsa.

Funeral Services celebrating Bill’s life will be held 2:00 PM Saturday August 24, 2019 at Highland Park Christian Church, 5708 E 31st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma, with Dave Dunson and Brian Jennings officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors where he will be laid to rest next to his loving wife, Jeanne.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt Funeral Service. Family and friends may send memories and condolences to the family online, www.schaudtfuneralservice.com