Bob Cronkhite answered the call of Jesus, his Lord and Savior calling his name on the afternoon of August 4, 2024, his daughter Becky and sister Jean by his side. Robert Louis Cronkhite was the 3rd of 9 children born on November 26th, 1937, to Samuel Henry and Claudia Belle (Houghton) Cronkhite in Cadillac.

He lived a good, long and full life. He grew up in Cadillac Michigan, when he graduated from high school in 1955, he went to work for the WL Norris company in Cadillac selling auto parts. That began his career as a lifetime salesman, which he took a lot of pride in. Horace Greeley said, "Go west young man, go west" and he did. He spent 6 months at the Navajo reservation in Arizona setting up the N.A.P.A. Store. When he returned to Michigan he went to Bay City. There he was the counter man at Bay City Automotive. He took charge, reorganized the store's inventory system and turned the store into a smooth-running operation. When he left Bay City Automotive, he became an on the road Salesman for S&L Bolt Company. In November of '79 he moved his family to the family Farm in Kingsley. Shortly after moving to Kingsley, he was in a car accident that took him off the road. With a few loyal customers, pocket change and a couple of boxes of nuts and bolts on the windowsill of his front porch, he started his own business; BD&C Industrial Supply. He successfully grew, built and ran his business until he retired in 1999.

His lifetime hobbies were playing his guitar and singing. He loved to sing gospel music as well as old time country music. In his lifetime he wrote several songs, including 'Patriot Down', 'Have we forgotten the Alamo', 'Ode to BigFoot' as well as a tribute song to George Jones. He enjoyed photography, horseback riding, playing pool and learning new things. He was also a self-proclaimed Bible Scholar. He loved meaningful conversation and could talk and tell stories for hours. He had a wealth of knowledge and a lifetime of experience. He looked forward to the family picnics and reunion every year at the Farm. He loved being around family, watching family antics and chuckling over them.

He was preceded in death by his parents Samuel and Claudia. Also preceding him were his brothers Donald, Richard, William, sister Beverly Miltibarger and his faithful little chihuahua Molly. Brother-in laws Jack Miltibarger, David Tupis and sisters-in-law Sharon Cronkhite and Jackie Cronkhite.

He is survived by his daughters Becky (Sam Easterwood) and Sarah Robinson whom he loved fiercely and was loved just as fiercely. His stepdaughter Debbie Benford and Stepson Steve Crane. Sister-in-law Sue (Donald) Cronkhite, Brothers Gary and Patrick (Julie), Sisters Jean Tupis and Linda Cronkhite. His grandchildren: Soren, Gus, Tyler, Brooke, Stephanie and Orren. Great Grand Children: Cooper, Carter and Chloe. Many neices and nephews. As well as great nieces and nephews and his cherished dogs Elvis and Belle and his special friend and caregiver for the last 2 years, Stephanie Hulett.

A small private graveside service has taken place at Evergreen Cemetery in Kingsley. Nephew Samuel Cronkhite officiated. His memorial service will be at our final family picnic of the year at the end of August. He would have loved and enjoyed that.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Kingsley Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com