In Memory

Roy Eugene  (Gene) Crosswhite  1960-2011

This last Saturday, April 30, we celebrated the life of Roy Eugene (Gene) Crosswhite, husband of our daughter Brenda who went home to the Lord on January 17 of this year. We held the service at the beautiful St. Catherine's Bell Gable Chapel in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It is a little chapel ( only seats 40 people) in a gorgeous setting with beautiful flowers, a bubbling stream, and all of God's creation abound. Jim Newberry, a wonderful Christian friend and retired minister, officiated with a very moving time of reflection. The most amazing part of the week-end was that all of our daughters, their spouses, and all of their children were in attendance, including Gene's children and grandchildren from a former marriage. It was a time of healing and bonding for us all. It was really quite a feat to gather them all here, as some came from Alabama, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.

St. Catherine's Bell Gable Chapel



A reflection spot on the grounds




the soft murmur of the water added to the serenity of the day

  Most of the family members were in Arkansas already on Friday, when our daughter, Christine, opened her home for a home made biscuit and gravy breakfast.

Biscuits and gravy for 24 people

Later that afternoon we all met at the Battlefield Park for family pictures, which was my number one request.




Our 4 daughters and spouses, 6 grandchildren, and us.  I am holding a picture of Gene.

 Again, Christine hosted a family cook-out at her house, with turkey, beef, pork, and bratwurst grilled and smoked by our son-in-law, Scott, who does a magnificent job. The girls planned and surprised us with a 50th anniversary celebration ( real date is May 27) wiith a beautiful cake and a specially made book of our life (techie guru Cristine did the work with advice from the other three) !!

Smell the food roasting!

Anniversary cake - chocolate and yellow

 Another son-in-law brought his karaoke machine, for an evening of fun and laughter. We all felt Gene's presence with us as he would have been in the midst of the fun.The Lord has blessed us with a loving family who are always there for each other, regardless of the distance.

Aunt Connie and Katie harmonizing

Both days presented us with beautiful weather, and time to bond, love, grieve, and praise God for all He has provided us as a family.