William Cronenwett

Cronenwett, William Stainton 3/3/1929 - 3/25/2022 Lawton If a person can have a heart of gold, then Bill Cronenwett Sr. had a heart of "Blue and Gold". Lawton MI was his hometown for 93 years. His dedication to improve, support and protect his community was an inspiration to many. Bill grew up in Lawton but graduated high school from Howe Military School. After graduation, he worked as a lineman for Michigan Gas and Electric before he turned his talents to home construction. He then became interested in farming and began working on his ancestor's centennial grape farm with his Uncle Larry Stainton. Several years later, Bill mentored his son Bryan to take over the management of Cronenwett Farms which is now in its 157th year of family ownership. Bill liked to play cards and hosted a Wednesday night poker group for many years. Every Thursday, he was always happy to report if he had won two bucks, but very unhappy to report if he had lost five! He enjoyed hunting with family and friends at the cabin up north and fishing on Bankson Lake. Bill was a true "Blue Devil" at heart and offered support to the Lawton school system and athletics in many ways. Always a faithful fan, he attended all of his children's and grandchildren's games, and many more for years after they had all graduated. Being a member of the Lawton Fire Department was Bill's true calling. He committed to serving many years as Chief, Assistant Chief, and Truck Captain. Even when he was not an officer, Bill was an essential member offering leadership to everyone else on the department. His fellow firefighters said that he had unbelievable knowledge about fires and how to determine the best way to fight one. He did not tell many about how one day on his drive to town, he noticed smoke coming from the back of a house. He thought it might be a grill, but took the time to stop and make sure. He went to the back of the house and looked through the window and found a lady laying on the floor of her burning kitchen. Bill's firefighting instinct and quick action saved her from injury. Through the years, he supported a variety of organizations and events such as National Ecology Club, Wolverine Club, Lions Club, Lawton Summerfest, Kids Dream, Antwerp Zoning Board, National Grape Co-op and Van Buren County Farm Bureau. Because of his dedication to his community, Bill was honored as Lawton Volunteer of the Year, Farm Bureau Farmer of the Week, Lawton Summerfest Grand Marshal, Lawton Fire Department Top Responder and Lawton Fireman of the year. He was also inducted into the Lawton High School Hall of Fame. His children would add one more title: "Best Husband and Father of All Time". Bill and Jeanne had been married 69 years when she died in 2019. They shared many good times with their friends, neighbors on CR 657 and at Bankson Lake. They hosted many barn parties. Bill loved a good barn party! Even when he was so work tired that he would fall asleep on a big rock during the celebration! There could not have been a better father to Bill and Jeanne Cronenwett's children, Bill Jr, Sue, Bryan and Kay. Bill was a father to four, but a dad to seven as he nurtured and loved each son-in-law and daughter-in-law as if they were his own. Bill was preceded in death by his wife Jeanne and his son Bill Jr. He is survived by his children Sue and Bill Harris, Bryan and Leslie Cronenwett and Kay and Darrin Walters. His grandchildren knew he was a trickster and that if they were riding on a trailer behind the tractor and Grandpa yelled "JUMP!" they should not do it, for there was sure to be a big mud puddle for them to land in! His grandchildren are: Michelle (Scott) Markham, Matthew (Deirdre) Harris, Sarah (Michael) Blum, Leslie (Mark) Welburn, Nathan Cronenwett, Andy (James)Walters, Robert (Michelle) Harris, Beth Lynch and Paige Cronenwett Bill's great grandchildren fondly called him "Grandpa Grape". If he knew they were going to visit him, he would have some fresh baked cookies ready. Grandpa Grape loved encouraging his "Greats" to find just a little bit of mischief! His great-grandchildren are: Ainsley and Anakin Markham, William, Charles and Henry Harris, Lilah, Jackson and Benjamin Blum, Eleanor and Jacob Harris, Charlotte and William Welburn, Kitt Cronenwett and Charles Lynch IV. Bill's family is planning a memorial service featuring a Lawton Fire Department tribute followed by a barn party celebration to be held on Sunday, June 12 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Cronenwett Farms, 70121 28th Street, Lawton Michigan Memorial contributions may be made to: Lawton Fire Department 125 S. Main Street, PO Box 367, Lawton, MI 49065 Centrica Care Navigators 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo MI 49009