Byron “Bo” Crossland, age 67 of Carlyle, passed away at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, Illinois, on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Byron was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 20, 1958, a son of Mable (Armstrong) Crossland and Thomas Henry Crossland, Jr. He married Johnnie Robertson on August 17, 1985, and she survives in Carlyle.
In addition to his wife Johnnie, Byron is also survived by his children, Aaron Crossland of Atlanta, Georgia and Travianna Crossland of Norcross, Georgia; a grandson, Rill Pinsonneault; his brother, Thomas Crossland, III and wife Anne of Salem, Illinois; his in-laws, Pamela Robertson and Brenda Robertson, both of Carlyle, and Wendy Robertson of Fairview Heights, Illinois; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, Mable (Armstrong) Crossland and Thomas Crossland, Jr, his parents-in-law, Lou and John Robertson, his brother-in-law, Craig Robertson, a nephew, Thomas H. Crossland, IV, and his play-sister, Sheryl “Dee Dee” Robinson.
Byron was a proud 1976 graduate of Centralia High School, where he made his mark as a standout in basketball. He later brought many classmates back together as the founder of the “Black Class of 1976,” a reunion group that celebrated lifelong friendships and shared history. In 2025, he was honored to serve as Grand Marshal of the Centralia Juneteenth Parade. Byron’s love for basketball never faded. He coached his children’s teams and went on to found and coach the Atlanta Elite girls AAU basketball team and the Team Illinois boys AAU basketball team.
Professionally, Byron built a career as a skilled digital printing press operator first with Bloomington Offset Printing, and later with Starnet Digital Printing and Imagers Printing. In addition to his work in printing, Byron also pursued several entrepreneurial ventures, including AATrav Joy Jumpers inflatable bounce house business, A1 Printing, and Real Estate Investments by JBC. He loved music, dancing, and a good card game, especially when he was the one winning. Byron loved the Chicago Bulls and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys. In his final act of generosity and compassion, Byron gave the gift of life through organ donation, continuing to help others even after his passing.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton St, Carlyle, IL 62231. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Crossland are suggested to the American Cancer Society and will be received through the funeral home. Floral arrangements and other gifts for the family may be sent to Zieren Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.
