Dr. Danny and Diane Crosby
On Sunday, July 4, 2021, Dr. Danny Crosby retired from full-time Christian ministry after having served over 47 years in ministry - the last 24+ years serving as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Cleburne.
Dr. Crosby came to Cleburne's First Baptist Church on February 17, 1997. He and his wife, Diane, have been married since 1978 and have two children, Andrew and Dani Beth, and four grandchildren.
"My parents, Rev. and Mrs. Russell Crosby, have 13 children. My three older brothers and I began singing gospel music when I was seven. God saved me at age 12 and called me to vocational ministry at Heart of Texas Baptist Encampment when I was 16. Many of my siblings are also on staff in Southern Baptist Churches. My wife was saved at age seven, is the daughter of a Baptist deacon, and has been active in church work all of her life. I believe that God calls all Christians to be on mission with Him for the sake of the Kingdom. It is wonderful to be a part of the people of God in the community of faith. My purpose is to know Christ and to make Him known. My desire is to bring glory to God and to be faithful to His Word and His call. My hobbies include motorcycling and four-wheeling, mechanics, carpentry, electronics, hunting, and being a grandpa, "Dano," to Ruby Love, Lucy Joy, Evie Grace, and Silas Brave!
Dr. Crosby earned the Ph. D. degree in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1990, after earning the M.Div. from SWBTS in 1984 and the B.A. from Baylor University in 1978.
Danny & Diane served one year as mission service corps volunteers in Mexico (right after getting married).
Danny has served as pastor at Levita Baptist Church in Gatesville, TX, First Baptist Church in Oglesby, TX, and Taylor’s Valley Baptist Church in Temple, and served as minister of music and youth at Live Oak Baptist Church in Gatesville.
Danny has served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Cleburne since February 17, 1997 (24+ years).
During his tenure in Cleburne Danny has served as moderator for the Southwest Metroplex Baptist Association on two occasions (for a total of 4 years). He has served on various associational committees related to Baptist life in Johnson County, including those tasked with church planting, partnership missions, and providing oversight to the association.
Diane taught math at Cleburne High School from the Fall of 1997 until she retired in May 2017 (20 years). Besides Cleburne, Diane has taught in the Kennedale ISD (1980-1983) and Academy ISD, Bell County near Temple, TX (1995-1997).
Diane also taught GED classes and Adult Ed for Central Texas College, Killeen, TX
Diane’s real joy has always been teaching the struggling math students. She has administered the TAAS, TAKS, and STAAR while teaching at CHS. Diane was asked to pilot the “PASS Program” for at-risk students, and it was in that position that she found her place. Capturing Kids’ Hearts and Teen Leadership gave her the framework to be the teacher she really wanted to be.
Honored as teacher of the year Diane went on to become the Math Department Head and found joy in helping teachers find their place and grow as teachers.
Danny and Diane do not plan to take it easy during retirement. Just because they are retired does not mean it is the end of the road for these two. Instead, it's just the beginning of their next great adventure.
The Crosbys now reside in Gatesville, TX.