Leeland H. Crotts • August 4, 2020
Dr. Leeland Hershal Crotts, born on October 24, 1936 went to be with his Lord on August 4, 2020. He is survived by his wife of 63years, Mary E. Crotts; children Marilee and Jim Schettler, Cathy and Bill Homeyer, Steve Crotts, Cindy and Francis Beatty, Dan and Renee Crotts. Leeland has been blessed with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren: Ben,McKenzie, Drew, Noelle, Ryder, Luke, Tim, David, Josh, Billy, Julie, Lydia, Jordan, Lacey, Melissa, Tim, Christian, Travis, Jessie, Amanda, Riley, Marc, Karly, Justine, Daniel. Additionally he is survived by his brother Terry and wife Kennie-Mae. He was preceded in death by his parents H.M. and Viola and his sister, Deanna.
Leeland grew up in Prescott, Arizona where his dad was the Borden milk man. At the age of 15 he dedicated his life to the Lord and through summer camp responded to the call” I will go where you want me to go”. He attended Rockmont College in Colorado where he met Mary. He felt the call to ministry and after they were married, in 1956 and graduated in 1958, they entered the ministry beginning in Los Angeles.
In 1974 they started going to Israel and shortly thereafter Baptist for Israel Institute was founded. He received his Doctorate from Pensacola Christian College. Leeland had a true love for the People and Land of Israel. He had a passion for lost souls, God and proclaiming His Word. He was an excellent father, grandfather, teacher, mentor and friend to so many around the world. He and Mary worked tirelessly to establish BII in Israel and a presence on the kibbutz, BII is present today because of their vision, passion and sacrificial service.
We mourn the passing of a man who had a great impact on so many lives and had a heart for Israel. At the same time we have a beautiful hope of a sweet reunion one day!
Leeland will be laid to rest on Friday, August 7th at Pensacola Memorial Gardens. Due to the current health risks, there will be no visitation or public service; a live broadcast of the service will begin at 10:30 a.m Watch webcast for Leeland Crotts:
https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/ 1082217
The password for viewing this webcast has been set to:
20158
If you have any questions, please contact Jessica at 850-529-6201 or Pensacola Memorial Gardens at 850-944-0355.
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We are so very sorry, Cathy! So hard to lose a parent. May memories help you through this sad time!
So sorry Cathy. Your father was a remarkable man. I will pray for you and your family. I’m sure he was very proud of you.
Mary and Family: Bonnie and I were holding Leeland up but apparently God needed him home. Our condolences to you as you miss Leeland but we do not sorrow as they who have no hope for Jesus is the resurrection and the life who is our hope. Best Regards, Lyle and Bonnie Binns
I’ve known the Crotts families since I was in high school at Baptist Christian upper school, graduating with their daughter Marilee. Even though time has separate us after graduation I have nothing but respect, admiration for this wonderful man of God who was the “real deal!” He will forever be remembered in the lives of his children and grandchildren and will be waiting for us at Heaven’s Gate with open arms! Love, Hugs and prayers to this Wonderful family ❤️
Mary and family: So sorry to hear of Leeland’s passing. I’m sure as he meets up with Moses they will have a lot to talk about as they both were strong, determined men with a special heart for others. It was a pleasure to work with the ministry and see both of you develop a wonderful plan for the Lord in Israel. May God’s blessings be with all of you in the days ahead. Love and prayers for all….Chris Parker
Cindy & family we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father…our thoughts are with you at this heartfelt time….