Richard R. Cronkhite

CRONKHITE, Richard R.
Of Kalamazoo Richard, beloved husband, wonderful dad and grandpa, and generous friend, passed away Sunday evening, July 22, 2012 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 30, 1931 in Kalamazoo the son of Ivan and Dora Mann Cronkhite. Richard was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving during the Korean War. On August 31, 1957, Richard was united in marriage to Rose F. Beaupré. He was employed as sales manager by Mead Products in Kalamazoo for 41 years until his retirement in 1991 and was a member of the American Legion and B.P.O.E. Lodge #50. Richard leaves behind his loving wife of 54 years, Rose, and their five children: Richard Cronkhite, Daniel and Teresa Cronkhite, Lisa and Tom Marks, Laura and Mark Hanson, and Jessica and Greg Meskil. Richard was blessed with nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren who will all miss him terribly: Maria and Matt Cronkhite, Mark and Maddie Lupo, Andrew Hanson, Eveline and John Marks, Jordan and Lily Meskil, Taylor Hughes, and Keegan and Ty Cronkhite. He leaves one brother, Roger Cronkhite; one loving sister, Kay and Chuck Powers, sister-in-law, Carol Cronkhite; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents and two brothers, Stanley and Lona and Jerry Cronkhite. Friends may visit with the family from 6-8 PM on Thursday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick Street. Private interment with military honors will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Kalamazoo Foundation - Joseph A. Cekola Memorial Endowment Fund.