Dr. F. Joe Crosswhite, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2020 at the age of 90. Beloved husband of the late Dorothy Crosswhite; cherished son of the late Ollie and Sarah Crosswhite; devoted father of Kathy (Andy) James, Carol (Larry) Combs and Joe D. Crosswhite; loving grandfather of Michael (Lori) Crosswhite, Carrie (Bryan) Branson, Brian Combs, April Sparkman, Adam (Britni) Crosswhite and Kate (Geoff) Auslen; treasured great-grandfather of Zachary, Michelle, Brody, Annabelle, Claire, Wyatt, River, Alli, Andi and Cash; dear brother of Nell Jersak; uncle, cousin and friend to many. Joe is also preceded in death by five siblings.
Joe’s passion was education. He began his teaching career at Salem High School as a math teacher and became the class’s Teaching Mentor/Sponsor. Joe built a wonderful rapport with the students and kept in touch for over 65 years. He went on to receive his Doctorate at The Ohio State University and then became a Professor of Mathematics for over 25 years. Joe was a true Buckeye and loved going to many of the football games and events. He was an accomplished author, writing many mathematical textbooks and was the President of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Joe later went on to be a Professor at Northern Arizona State University where he retired. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Joe enjoyed golfing, bowling, going to the casino, but most of all he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved playing cards and different games and was quite competitive. In recent years, Joe documented his life through written stories which generations will cherish. His natural sense of humor carried him through any difficult time he faced. Joe was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joe's name to The Community Foundation of the Ozarks - F. Joe Crosswhite Math and Science Scholarship Fund (425 E. Trafficway Springfield, MO 65806)
I was one of Dr. Crosswhite’s Salem High School students in the mid 50’s. He was a great teacher. Had to be to get me through geometry!
“Ruth Ann” (pause) “you CAN do this!”
said Joe to me for 4 years in math. It paid dividends.
Thank you,Joe, for all the next 65 years of reunions. We adored you.
A great loss to the Salem High class of ‘57. He was our friend. Joe never made me believe “math is fun”, but did his best to get me through! Thank you, Joe, for inspiring the Class of ‘57 to be the best we could be.
We loved you.
Through our four years together, Joe saw us at our worst and at our best, and always still respected and mentored us. That is LOVE in action. We simply responded to his ways of challenging us to be better. Through him we learned that when things beyond your control go wrong, it is OK to express feelings of disappointment or frustration, but then get on with living to the standards and the potential of which you are capable.
I know that this is late but Dr. Crosswhite was a treasure of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. He had a vision and helped the Council move it forward. As a later president of NCTM, I can only thank the family for sharing him with the rest of us for awhile.