Friday, April 26, 2024
Wes Crossley – May 30, 1931 – July 20, 2017
Wes Crossley, 86, of Wenatchee, WA passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 20 surrounded by family. Wes was born on May 30, 1931 in Ecorse, MI to John and Bertha Crossley. Wes had two older sisters, Arline and Viola.
When he was a youngster, the family moved from Michigan to Southern California. He excelled in sports, especially baseball. After graduation from Glendale High School in 1950 he signed a professional contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates and played four years in the Minor Leagues with Las Vegas, Bakersfield, Albuquerque and San Antonio.
Injuries forced Wes out of playing baseball to umpiring baseball. He liked being around the game and was soon recognized as one of the best. Soon he was officiating High School Football and Basketball games in the off season.
In 1961, Wes had landed a job umpiring in the Northwest League which he held until 1965. After spending summers in the Great Northwest he thought it would be a good place to live and raise a family. In 1962, he met the love of his life, Marcella.
In the spring of 1966 Wes purchased the Parkway Motel in Chelan. He and Marcella owned the business for 31 years until 1997.
In 2005 Wes and Marcella moved to Wenatchee to be closer to dialysis treatments for Wes.
Wes is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marcella Crossley; son, Brian Crossley (Kim) of Henderson, NV; grandson, Jason Crossley (Angie) of East Wenatchee; granddaughter, Sara Weeks(Richard) of London, England; great-grandchildren, Kaitlynn and Dylan Crossley of East Wenatchee; and sister, Viola Kantat of Chelan. He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Crossley; grandson, Drew Crossley, and sister, Arline
Friends may visit Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home, 302 9th Street, Wenatchee, WA, Monday, July 24 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Wes’s life will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 25 at 10:00 am at Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Fraternal Cemetery in Chelan, WA. A potluck reception will follow at the Eagles Lodge, 209 E. Woodin Ave. in Chelan. Please bring your favorite dish.
Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements by Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home.
