Larry Gene Crosser

Larry G. Crosser, aged 78, passed away peacefully in his home and surrounded by his loving wife and daughter on the morning of Wednesday, July 24th, 2024. He was the son of Kermit Marvin Crosser and Rose Anna Crosser (Johnston), and is survived by his wife, Joan Crosser (Sweda), his daughter, Amber Crosser, his older brother, Ronald Crosser (Sandra), and his two younger sisters, Karyn Stahl (Ted) and Karol Turner (Bob).

A 1964 class graduate of Findlay High School, Larry soon left his hometown to pursue life in California. Nearing his 30’s, he returned to his home state of Ohio, and settled near Toledo. He married his loving wife, Joan, in a beautiful ceremony on September 24th, 1999, and adopted their daughter Amber in 2005. Larry and Joan would be celebrating 25 years of marriage together this autumn.

As a boy, Larry was a happy and intelligent child. From his earliest years, his passion for music began to show, as he loved sharing the stories of himself taking wooden spoons from his mother’s kitchen to “play drums” on the couch cushions. His talent took him far, and his lifelong friends remember him as “the best drummer they ever knew.” He was known as the drummer of bands including Ronie and the Shadows, Fresh Air, and LIFE, and performed on tour with Johnny and the Hurricanes at the band’s personal invitation.

He attended the Columbus College of Art & Design on a full-ride scholarship for two years, but chose a different direction in life by moving west and pursuing his career organically. He found himself as a graphic designer for a local newspaper, which helped establish his network for success later in life.

While living in Lake Tahoe, he obtained his Pilot’s license. Shortly after, he purchased a racecar, unaware of the joy, purpose, and adventure it would bring to his life. Racing became a cornerstone of Larry’s journey, creating timeless memories with his wife as they traveled across the nation to compete. He is best known for his three national championships with the University Formula Electric Series as the driver for Bowling Green State University’s Electric Falcon, participated in SCCA racing events as a part of the Formula Vee class, and served as a driving instructor at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Larry pursued many careers during his lifetime, but he is perhaps best remembered as a self-taught design engineer. With five United States patents credited to his name, and serving as a foundational member of Solar Cells and First Solar, his ideas have impacted people across the globe.

Larry’s family will remember him for his humor, his dedication to family, and his commitment to God. His family will miss sharing moments of laughter and joy by his side, because as he would say — “I put the ‘Larry’ in ‘hilarious’”!

His love for his family cannot be overstated. Larry wanted nothing more than to provide a good life for his wife and daughter, and in that, he succeeded greatly. He and his daughter shared a special relationship, while he and his wife lived not only as partners, but as best friends. Larry’s family expresses endless gratitude toward his therapists and nurses, namely Michelle, Kelly, Heather, and Jaimie, who offered him a chance to step into his power and continue moving forward past the obstacles that presented themselves, and to those who stood by his side as he navigated his final years.

The family will be holding a memorial service in September to honor the life of Larry Crosser. They will be sharing more details once a date has been placed.