Bill Cronkhite, 73

Billy Eugene Cronkhite, age 73, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday afternoon, November 21, 2021 at the Sturgis Hospital Emergency Room.
He was born November 5, 1948 in Vicksburg, son of the late George and Jean (Klempp) Cronkhite.
Bill resided in Sturgis since 1955. His early life was lived in Bronson where he was a member of the Bronson High School class of 1966.
On October 26, 1968 he married Joyce Geark in Nottawa.
He had been employed by the Kirsch Company in Sturgis for 27 years.
Bill enjoyed hunting, bowling, working on automobiles and tinkering in his pole barn. Bill had hobbies and interests but what he valued most in life was his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and time spent with his entire family but especially his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 53 years, Joyce; one daughter: Christy (Jim) Gilbert of Greenbrier, Tennessee; one son: Billy (Laura) Cronkhite, II of Granger, Indiana; grandchildren: Joshua Gilbert, Billy Cronkhite, III and Samantha Cronkhite; four sisters: Judy (Steve) Wagner of Burr Oak, Barb Schwartz of Bronson, Bev (Ray) Allen of Bronson and Joyce (Steve) Brooks of Burr Oak; two brothers: Jerry (Mary) Cronkhite of Burr Oak and Douglas (Pam) Cronkhite of Sturgis and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother: Robert Cronkhite and brother-in-law: Danny Schwartz.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, Nov. 24th at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis where funeral services celebrating and honoring the life of Billy E. Cronkhite will immediately follow the visitation at 2:00 P.M. The Rev. Rodger Moyer will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service the Adams Cemetery in rural Bronson.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation In Mr. Cronkhite’s memory consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 S. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Borgess Heart Center for Excellence, 1722 Shaffer St., Suite 3, Kalamazoo, MI 49048.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com