On October 16, 2014, Gene W. Crosby’s biological military experiment ended for him. Gene’s experimentation began as a part of U.S. Army Project–Operation Whitecoat in December of 1965 at Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland (Ward 200—an extension of Walter Reed Army Medical Center). Gene was drafted into service in the U.S. Army in 1964 and trained as a Medic under the conscientious objector status. After basic training at Fort Sam Houston, Gene served his country at Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland where he was intentionally exposed to Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B to determine the human body’s response to the enterotoxin.
Gene served his country in an unusual way; it was his hope that medicine has learned something from his service. Gene’s health history since his exposure has been long and complicated since the experimentation.
Gene was born to Ralph and Hazel (Fish) Crosby on March 16, 1942 at home in Platte, South Dakota. He was the fourth child of nine children. Gene attended grade schools in rural Platte, South Dakota. He attended Plain View Academy (Seventh Day Adventist) in Redfield, South Dakota and then graduated from College View Academy, Lincoln, Nebraska in 1963 when the parochial school in Redfield closed.
After his military service, Gene worked with a friend’s family in Drayton, North Dakota, assisting with wheat farming and a dairy operation. Gene met Bonnie Berthelsen in Drayton, ND; they were married May 30, 1967. To that union three daughters were born: Laura (Phil) McAdoo, Amy Crosby-Bland, and Holly (Ben) Harris.
Gene married Rhonda Nielan-Veit in 1978. Gene’s family grew with the addition of stepdaughter, Malinda (Jarrod) Manguso and the birth of Gene and Rhonda’s son, Brandon (Christine) Crosby. Gene and Rhonda ran a beekeeping business in Harlingen, Texas for approximately 17 years. Gene’s health issues brought him to a cooler climate in Stevensville, Montana, where he has enjoyed the great outdoors. The pursuit of the perfect Bull Elk will remain forever! Gene brought his mule team, Nut and Honey, with him from Texas and enjoyed his participation in the Bitterroot Draft Horse and Mule Club until health issues kept him from continuing. Gene was an amazing mechanic and loved to restore old tractors which led him to participation in the Tired Iron Club. At the time of his death he was in the middle of restoring a 1929 Model A Ford Murray.
Gene is survived by his wife Rhonda; all of his children; 14 grandchildren and one great grandchild; six siblings: Lyle Crosby, Lee (Patsy) Crosby, Wayne (Anita) Crosby, Lois (Ron) Smook, Glenda (Ross) Nielsen, Willy (Dave) Rolston; sister-in-law Sharon (Dale) Crosby and brother-in-law Russ (Myrna) VanVoorst; 17 nieces and nephews and their extended families.
Gene’s parents and two siblings, Myrna and Dale, preceded him in death.
Graveside services for Gene were held on Monday, October 20 at the Western Montana Veterans Cemetery. A celebration of Gene’s life was held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Missoula immediately following the service.
The family would like to thank all their neighbors for all of their support over the years. And a big thank you to the caregivers at Hospice of Missoula and Home Instead for all the care and love they showed the Crosby Family in his final days.
Brothers Mortuary in Hamilton, MT is handling all the funeral arrangements. A memorial fund in Gene Crosby’s name can be directed to any Farmers State Bank if you wish. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
