Douglas Sherman Crosby, 81, of Kanab, Utah, died peacefully while surrounded by his loved ones on March 20, 2023, from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Doug was born on February 18, 1942, in Coalville, Utah to Sherman and Ella Crosby. He lived in Alaska until age 16, with his parents and little brother, James, until 1957. The family relocated to southern Utah where Doug attended 10th-12th grades at Kanab High School.
After graduating from high school in 1960, Doug worked at the Sawmill in Fredonia. Soon after in 1961, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he proudly served his country for 4 years as a Sonarman, until his honorable discharge in 1965. After the Navy, Doug would go on to study Psychology at a college in Oregon. It is there that he met his first wife, and they welcomed a son Michael in 1971.
In the spring of 1974, Doug met Carol on a blind date and at last found his true love. They exchanged vowels in Washington in 1974 and would later relocate to Kanab in 1975. There they raised Carol's three children, Mardi, Kelli, and Hank and later welcomed their daughter Ebbi Lu in 1977.
Doug graduated with top honors from the Utah Police Academy in 1978. Upon graduation, Doug worked for Kane County as a Patrolman. Soon after he joined the Kanab City Police Department. He served for 22 years as a Deputy and later as Chief of Police. Doug retired at age 65. Soon after he went to work part-time for the county as a Deputy and spent his last ten years with the department working as a Bailiff. Altogether he served 37 years in law enforcement. Doug also served in the Army National Guard between 1980-1987 and was given an honorable discharge.
Throughout his life, Doug had many hobbies which brought him great joy, but his all-time favorite was going on many rides on one of his many Harley Davidson's with his wife Carol.
Doug was predeceased by his parents Sherman and Ella, his brother James, and a baby sister. He is survived by his wife Carol Jean; sister Jan; his children Mardi, Kelli & Vardon, Michael, Hank, Ebbi Lu & Tyler; his grandchildren Dexter & Juliana, Austin & Angel, Tyler, Terra, Hailey, Hank "Bubba", Miley, Mason, Ella, Drew, Ava, Maya, Tylee; and his great grandchildren Harvey, Adeline, and Margo.
Come join us for a Celebration of Doug's Life on Friday, March 31, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the Kanab Civic Center. Viewings will be held at the Civic Center Thursday evening from 6:00-7:00 PM and Friday from 9:30-10:45 AM. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Kanab High School Baseball Program, or Venmo to Kanab High School @KHS-2021. Please mention “Doug Crosby” in the memo.
Doug will be buried with military and police honors in the Kanab Cemetery. If you own a Harley or have another brand, join us in riding Main Street one last time in a parade in Doug’s honor on the way to the cemetery.
Services were arranged with Mosdell Mortuary of Kanab.
The broadcast of the services can be viewed for the next few months at the following link:
https://vimeo.com/814342343
Want to give my condolences to Doug’s family .Doug was a good man ,he was one of a kind that’s for sure .
Douglas was a big part of my childhood in the 1940’s in Palmer Alaska.
I’m pleased that we have stayed in touch. Heavenly Father will welcome him home along with his parents my Aunt Ella and Uncle Sherm
Let be to Carol and all Doug’s family
Mr Crosby was always so nice to me when I hung out with Mardi he had the greatest laugh and smile 🙂 my thoughts and prayers goin out to Carol(big hug) and the whole fam❤
I am just so sad to
Loose such a good man from our beautiful world
Doug was a great friend. He always had us laughing and wondering what would come next.
Doug also had a serious side to him and he worried about people. This is one of the many things that made him such a great police chief. He cared about people, especially the youth. This serious side also contributed to his friendship. He was always concerned about his friends and their wellbeing. He definitely has made an impact on our lives.
Ebbi and Carol my heart is broken for you two beautiful women. May you feel the love of family and friends at this difficult time. When Kaylee told me the about your dad and husbands passing it broke my heart for you two. Your in my prayers. ❤️ God Bless you and your families. Big HUG. Janet Reber
Hello Carol, we were so sorry to hear about your dear husband, Doug. Death is an enemy that will be done away with when Gods Kingdom rules. We pray that the hope of the resurrection will give you comfort and hope in this time of great sorrow. John 5:28,29.
Carol. We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We didn’t know Doug for very long, but we knew of him will always stay with us. A great man, will be missed.