John H. Croessman, 70, of Okawville, IL, formerly of Du Quoin for over 60 years and a longtime editor of the Du Quoin Call, passed away at 11:48 P.M., Saturday, November 11, 2023 at HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital in O'Fallon.  A career in journalism that began with his editorship of Du Quoin High School's The Magnavox ended in 2017 when he suffered a debilitating stroke.
Croessman was born in Blue Island, IL, on December 11, 1952 to Dwight and Virginia Croessman, both of whom predeceased him, as did a younger sister, Elizabeth Ann.  An older brother, Allen, survives.  Croessman graduated from Du Quoin High School in 1970 and from Southern Illinois University in 1974 with a major in journalism.   At SIU he met his future wife, Barbara, who survives.  They have three children, Angela, Alex, and Andrew Croessman; five grandchildren, Sydney Pollmann and husband Trevor (Lexi, Reid and Hayes); Emily Boyett; Jacob Boyett; Caroline Croessman; and Evelyn Croessman.
Croessman joined the Call under the tutelage of the late publisher, L.S. Smith, Jr.  For over 40 years under several different ownerships, he served as a reporter and its editor.  He received Du Quoin's Outstanding Citizen award in 2003 for lifetime service to the community and in 2013 the Outstanding Community Citizen Award from the Du Quoin District 300 Educational Foundation.
He received Liberty Group Publishing's national "Best Hard News Story" award in 1998 for a story in which he joined a midnight search party for the wreckage of a plane and its pilot that had crashed in an ice storm.  In 2018 the John Croessman Square on East Main Street was built and dedicated in his honor.
Croessman served as chairman of the Board and trustee of Bethel Lutheran Church and was a member of the Du Quoin Historic Preservation Committee.  He co-authored a book, "Historic Du Quoin—Images of the Past" and edited a volume about Du Quoin's surviving World War II servicemen, "Du Quoin's Greatest Generation."
For John Croessman love of family and his community always came first.
Memorial services will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, November 18, 2023 at the Croessman Square on Main Street in Du Quoin with Pastor Eric Wood officiating.
Friends may call from 9 A.M. until the time of service on Saturday at the Croessman Square in Du Quoin.
In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorials to Du Quoin Education Foundation - John H. Croessman Scholarship or NubAbility Athletics Foundation - All Sports Camp and will be accepted at the service.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.