John Crosser Obituary

John R. Crosser

Former Ottawa County Sheriff, John R. Crosser, passed away Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, after a brief illness. John passed peacefully while being cared for at Stein Hospice Care Center, Sandusky.

He was born Oct. 30, 1937, near Arlington, the son of John H. and Agnes J. (Shaw) Crosser.

A 1955 graduate of Arlington High School, he graduated from Columbus Business University. He pursued his professional law enforcement education, graduating with the first class of Ohio Peace Officers Training Council, then from the 35th session of National Sheriff Institute and 135th session of the FBI Academy. His passion lead to a lifelong pursuit of professional education.

John served in Ohio National Guard in the Military Police from 1960-1966 and was honorably discharged earning the rank of E-6, Staff Sergeant. In 1958, he was appointed deputy sheriff in Hancock County, where he served until 1964. In 1966, he was appointed deputy sheriff in Ottawa County, serving until 1980. He was elected Ottawa County Sheriff in 1980, where he served three terms. During those years, the Sheriff ushered in a new era in the county's mission to "Serve and Protect." Notably, his insight during construction of the new 48 cell state-of-the-art detention facility improved security and working conditions. The facility opened in 1982 when he escorted the first inmate from the old jail to the new facility. Ottawa County was the second Ohio county to implement the e911 system. In cooperation with First Energy and the Davis-Bess Nuclear Power Station, the state of the art communications center was built and equipped on the third floor of the Detention Facility. During his tenure as Sheriff, his passion for the office he held vastly improved the safety and security of the citizens of Ottawa County.

John was a member and past president of Colonial Club and was a member of American Legion Post #113, Port Clinton Yacht Club, and life member of Elks Lodge #1718. He was a dedicated life member of Buckeye State Sheriff's Association, serving as president in 1989.

John married Judith A. (Misch) Crosser of Port Clinton on June 1, 1968, and they enjoyed many years of family camping, traveling with friends, fishing, and escaping Ohio winters at their home in Englewood, Florida.

John is survived by his wife, Judy; sons, Michael D. (Donna Metcalfe) Crosser of Port Clinton and Robert J. (Brenna Hartley) Crosser of Wake Forest, North Carolina; five grandchildren, Michelle (Jake) Greener, Jennifer (Drew) Gatliff, Cheryl (Kyle) Kylmer, Abigail (Brian John) Finn, and Reid Crosser; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Judith K. (Crosser) Tesnow.

Visitation for friends will be 3-7 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2024, at Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1124 Fulton St., Port Clinton. John's services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church, 207 Adams St., Port Clinton. Pastor Jerrod Schaaf will officiate and interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Port Clinton. Following the services, a celebration of life will take place at Port Clinton Yacht Club, 127 Brooklyn St., Port Clinton.

Those planning on making a memorial contribution are asked to please consider Stein Hospice, Ottawa County Sheriff K-9 Unit, Back to the Wild, or Hopfinger-Zimmerman Memorial Park.

Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home is assisting family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com.