John William “Bill” Croston, Sr., 82, a resident of Valley Bend, passed from this life Saturday afternoon, September 28, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family. Bill was born Tuesday, February 3, 1931 in Norton, a son of the late John Ray Croston and Cora Mae Bartlett Croston. On June 29, 1951, he married the former Tina Louise Tackett who survives. They had celebrated sixty-two years of marriage. Others left to cherish Bill’s memory is one son, John W. Croston, Jr. and wife, Tammy of Valley Bend, three brothers, Terrance Croston and wife, Janet, Robert Croston, and Clyde Croston and companion, Pat Reed, all of Mill Creek, six grandchildren, Christopher White and Charles White both of Pennsylvania, Sarah Butcher of Elkins, John T. “JT” Croston of Mill Creek, Laura Lanham of Valley Bend, Kaitlin Hostetler of Carlisle, PA, five step grandchildren, Amanda Wyatt of Eaton, CO, Sarah Ogden of Spring Lake, NC, Alan Chamberlain of Elkins, Justin Chamberlain of Junior, and Kaitlin Chamberlain of Valley Bend, several great grandchildren, several step great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Preceding Bill in death was one daughter, Billie Jane Boose, one granddaughter, Molly Marie Croston, and two brothers, Victor Croston and Richard Croston. Bill attended the schools of Randolph County, had served with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict, and had worked as a bus driver for the Randolph County Board of Education for twenty-seven years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and tinkering with small engines. He was a Protestant by faith. Visitation will be held at the Randolph Funeral Home on Saturday, October 5, 2013 from 10AM until 12PM, the funeral hour. Rev. Verl Simmons will officiate and internment will follow at the Brick Church Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded by members of the HW Daniels Post #29, American Legion and the Tygarts Valley Post #3647, Veterans of Foreign Wars. The family suggests memorial contributions be given to the charity of your choice in honor of Bill.
