Dates
Dr. Crosby Wilson Jones Jr., beloved father, grandfather, and educator, passed away on March 18, 2025, in San Angelo, surrounded by his family. He was 74 years old.
Born on August 1, 1950, in Claremore, Oklahoma, Crosby's passion for education and science began early. He earned his bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. in microbiology from Oklahoma State University, and from there, embarked on a lifelong journey dedicated to teaching and research. In 1978, he joined the faculty of Angelo State University, where he would spend the next 40 years shaping the minds of future generations as a professor of Biology, teaching classes in genetics, immunology, and microbiology.
Throughout his career, Crosby's commitment to his students was unmatched. He took particular pride in his role as faculty sponsor of the Beta Beta Beta Biology Honor Society, guiding the group to an unprecedented nine national titles as the top chapter in the nation. Inside and outside the classroom, he mentored aspiring physicians, medical professionals, researchers, and scientists and served on the Health Professions Advisory Committee, touching the lives of countless students as they embarked on their own journeys. When not in the classroom, you could find Crosby enjoying time with his kids and grandkids, reading a book, or listening to classic rock music.
Crosby is preceded in death by his parents and leaves behind siblings; his children, Cody Jones and wife, Laura, Calley Jones and wife, Maria, and Cami Lehmann and husband, Ross; as well as his eight beloved grandchildren, Grayson, Graham, Grant, Georgia, Luke, Juliana, and Everleigh-his "Pop" squad, who brought him immeasurable joy. He also leaves behind Debbi Riemenschneider, the mother of his children and a cherished Nana to their grandchildren.
A small private memorial service will be held for close friends and family to honor Crosby's life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Crosby Jones Research Scholarship Fund, c/o ASU Foundation, ASU Station #11023, San Angelo, Texas 76909, established through the Biology Department at Angelo State University.
Crosby's dedication to education, his family, and his community will leave an enduring impact, and his memory will live on through the many lives he touched.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Cheruku and Dr. Hinshaw, as well as the dedicated nurses, therapists, and lab staff at Shannon Medical Center for their exceptional care and compassion.