John R. Crosser

Former Ottawa County Sheriff, John R. Crosser passed away Friday, February 9, 2024 after a brief illness. John passed peacefully while being cared for at Stein Hospice Care Center, Sandusky, Ohio. He was born on October 30, 1937 near Arlington, Ohio, the son of John H. & Agnes J. (Shaw) Crosser.

A 1955 graduate of Arlington High School, he went on to graduate from Columbus Business University. He pursued his professional law enforcement education, graduating with the 1st class of the Ohio Peace Officers Training Council, then from the 35th session of the National Sheriff Institute and the 135th session of the FBI Academy. His passion lead to a lifelong pursuit of professional education.

John served in the 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 forty-eight 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-Besse 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 the Colonial Club, and was a member of American Legion Post #113, the Port Clinton Yacht Club, and life member of Elks Lodge #1718. He was a dedicated life member of the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association, serving as president in 1989.

On June 1, 1968, John married Judith A. (Misch) Crosser of Port Clinton, and they enjoyed many years of family camping, travelling 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, Port Clinton, Robert J. (Brenna Hartley) Crosser, Wake Forest, North Carolina; 5 grandchildren, Michelle (Jake) Greener, Jennifer (Drew) Gatliff, Cheryl (Kyle) Kylmer, Abigail (Brian John) Finn, Reid Crosser, and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Judith K. (Crosser) Tesnow.

Friends may call from 3-7 PM Friday, March 8, 2024 at Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1124 Fulton St., Port Clinton. Services will be held at 10:00 AM 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 be held 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 the Hopfinger-Zimmerman Memorial Park. Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be shared at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com