St. George, Utah - Herschel Spurlock Crosby, 89, passed away from complications due to his struggle with Alzheimers on February 28, 2012. He was born April 25, 1922 in Houston, Texas to James Floyd McDowell and Phebe Jacqueline Landes McDowell. Herschel married Sylvia Irene Williams in 1946. Sylvia passed of a heart condition in 1983. Herschel married Renee Orvin on February 14, 1985 in Provo, Utah.

Herschel was raised and educated in Houston and the surrounding counties. After completing one year of college, he joined the U.S. Marines in 1943 until 1946. He received a Purple Heart after serving in the Battle of Iwo Jima and in the Occupation of Japan.

He and Renee completed several missions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; going to Guatemala, Nicaragua, Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Melbourne, Australia. They traveled around the world and also many states in the U.S., enjoying and creating many wonderful memories and making many friends throughout the world.

Herschel is survived by his wife, Renee; his children: Dianne (Wilton) Baker of Bethesda, MA, Carol (Ben) Lee of Santaquin, UT, and Philip (Alison) Crosby of Huntsville, AL;20 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; step-children: Rennette Kae of St. George, UT, Raquel Swenson of Salt Lake City, UT, Dwight G. Swenson of Brookside, UT, Michelle Marshall of Central Point, OR; many nieces and nephews in Australia; and brother, Floyd Landes (Lois) Crosby of Yucaipa, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, James Henry (Dorrie) Crosby of Brisbane, Australia.

The family wishes to express special thanks to grandson, Jesse Barham for devoting the past six years to the care of Herschel. The family also wishes to express appreciation to Luann and Mitzi of The Alzheimers Association. Herschel especially loved the Alzheimers class at the Senior Center; thanks to Pat and all the volunteer group. Also to Dixie Hospice; thank you to Carl, Tyler, Jessica, Derrick and Pauline. Herschel donated his body to The University of Utah for Alzheimers research. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation if memory of Herschel to the Alzheimers Association at www.alz.org