Dr. Bill Crosswait, 87 of Spearfish, passed away on Sunday, December 2, 2012 after a brief stay at the David M. Dorsett Healthcare Center.

Bill was born in Highmore, SD on January 29, 1925 to Robert and Elizabeth (Thomson) Crosswait. His siblings were Hasel Lee, Kathryn Lindekugel, Alan Crosswait, Robert Crosswait, and Charles Bruce Crosswait.

Bill graduated from Woonsocket High School in 1943 and joined the US Air Corp in World War II, flying 34 combat missions over Europe as a radio operator-tail gunner.

Graduating from Black Hills State College in 1949, he embarked on a science and math teaching career in Lemmon, SD where he met his beloved wife, Mary. Bill taught in Lemmon for four years.

For the next three years he worked with a geophysical engineering company. During the fall of 1956, he returned to teaching science and math in Willow Lake, SD. From 1957 to 1960, he was Willow Lake's principal.

Having acquired his master's degree from Northern State College in 1960, Bill became superintendent of schools in Fairmount, ND.

Returning to SD in 1963, Bill spent two years as elementary principal in Huron, SD. In 1967, he completed his doctorate in education at the University of SD and became superintendent of schools in Spearfish. Bill was pleased to return to Spearfish and always commented, "Aren't we lucky to live in the beautiful Black Hills!"

In 1967, Bill became a faculty member of the education division at BHSC where he spent the next 18 years teaching courses in educational psychology and education in modern America. From 1970 to 1981, he was the college's director of student teaching. Bill influenced many students over his long career in education. He was at his best in front of a class of students. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, a professional education fraternity, the Beadle Club, an organization of school administrators, and served as a consultant to the Association of School Boards of South Dakota.

Bill also believed in serving his community and church. He served as alderman and magistrate for the City of Spearfish, board president of the Spearfish Canyon Country Club, and was a member of Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mt. Elk Foundation, and the American Legion. He was also active in Little League baseball and was past president of the Lions Club. Bill was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church where he served on the Parish Council and was on the St. Martin's Board of Directors.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mary, children, Anne (Dave) Degen, Dr. Robert (Charlene) Crosswait, and Craig (Kim) Crosswait. His grandchildren were the joys of his life and he will be forever proud of them; Dr. Katherine Degen, Jonathan (Courtney) Crosswait, Benjamin Crosswait, Jenna Crosswait, Bethany Crosswait, and Rachael Crosswait. He is also survived by his wonderful great-grandchildren, Tate and Aubrey Crosswait.

Pallbearers will be Bill's grandchildren, Kate, Jonathan, Benjamin, Jenna, Bethany, and Rachael and great grandchildren, Tate and Aubrey. Honorary pallbearers are Danny Green, Dr. Charles Schad, Lyle Bockwoldt, Dr. James Hess, Gene Schlekeway, Dr. Everett Follette and Jr. Bettelyoun.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 A.M., Friday, December 7, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Spearfish. Burial will follow with full military honors by the Spearfish Honor Guard, at Black Hills National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Black Hills State University College of Education memorial in Bill and Mary's names.