PORTLAND, Ore. — Billy Jack Croswell was born the eldest of three sons of John W. and Verla Pogue Croswell on Oct. 1, 1931, in Crossett Ark., and grew up in Bastrop, La.
He later served in the National Guard and U.S. Air Force. He met his wife, Helga Vogl in Munich, Germany. While in service, they married in Germany and later moved to the states. Bill earned both a bachelor and master’s degree in business.
He and his wife had two children. They lived in Monroe and Bastrop, Mobile, Ala., and Vicksburg before retiring to Sherwood, Ore., in 1993. Bill retired from International Paper Co. after 36 years.

For most of his life, he dedicated himself to the service of his fellowmen and women, and as a member and vice president of Optimist International to the needs of under privileged children. As a member of the First Christian Church, he served in many capacities, deacon and chairman. Thirty-five years ago he and his wife were instrumental in the creation of the Vicksburg-Warren Humane Society to offer hope and help to abused and abandoned animals. He was truly a kind and caring man, always willing to help those in need.
On Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016, Bill died at St. Vincent Hospital in Portland after a brief illness. He would have been 85 years old on Oct. 1.
Surviving and left to honor his life are his wife of 63 years, Helga Vogl Croswell; his son, Bill Jack Croswell Jr. and wife Irene Cox Croswell; and grandchildren Kirsten and Erik Croswell.

Also Bill’s daughter, Monica Croswell Kessler her husband Adam John Kessler; and grandson, Brandon M. Van Norman and his wife Sara Simmons Van Norman. Bill has one surviving brother, John W. Croswell, his wife Linda Croswell and children Caron and John from Bastrop. Also, the widow of Bill’s brother Charles Croswell, Ann Croswell of Lakeland, Fla.
Bill will have a private service at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family at Bill’s request would appreciate a donation to the Vicksburg-Warren Humane Society, 6600 HWY 61 South, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180 – in the name of Bill Croswell.