Charles Crosthwait

Dr. Charles Crosthwait, 89, of Harlingen, TX passed away January 4, 2019,

He was born October 31, 1929 to Acie Joe Buck and Charlie Clementine (Patton) Crosthwait in Magargel, TX. His family moved around during the oil field boom in northern Texas before settling in Kamay, TX.  After graduating from Valley View school, he attended North Texas State University in Denton, receiving his Bachelor of Education Degree and a member of the National Guard. While in Denton, he married Lillian Moon of Palmer, TX.  They moved to Harlingen, TX where he taught several years at Minnie B. Gay Jr High. Their son, Joseph, was born during this time. They decided to go back to North Texas State University in Denton so Charles could continue his education, receiving his Doctor of Education. He acquired a national reputation in the social science teacher preparation and was listed in the Who’s Who in the South and Southwest. His first college position was as a visiting professor at the University of Arkansas, then 4 years at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana and 20 years at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA.  During his career, they traveled across the US and internationally.  Also, they started doing genealogy on the Crosthwait name.  This was long before computers and internet. On one trip to England, they visited the Crosthwaite Church, founded AD 553 and built in 1553 near Keswick, England. Charles also loved woodworking, making several furniture items for their house and gifts. They designed and built a summer home in Angel Fire, NM. Charles and Lillian also lost their son, Joe, while in Atlanta. Upon retiring from Georgia State University, they moved back to Palm Valley Country Club in Palm Valley, TX.  Charles was anxious to get in to golf, and was very serious about it. They loved their social life and continued traveling, spending summers in Taos and Rio Rancho, NM. He has now gone to be with his Lillian, his wife of 56 years and their son, Joe.

Charles is survived by his sister, Irene Crosthwait Lewis of Amarillo. Nephews Michael (Linda) Lewis of Mosquero, NM, Stan (Sally) Raleigh of Brian, TX, Sean Lewis of Dillon, MT and niece Brandi (Lewis) Johnson of Amarillo,TX.

Burial took place at their family plot in Henrietta, TX.