Obituary of Dennis Fay Cronkright

Dennis Fay Cronkright was born on October 4, 1949 in Flint, MI. The youngest son of Ellsworth and Dorothy (Loomis) Cronkright. Dennis graduated from Kearsley High School, class of 1967. He was hired by General Motors following graduation and worked over a year before choosing to serve his country. He enlisted in the Coast Guard, serving from 1969-1973. Dennis was stationed in Massachusetts and served aboard the USCGC Yakutat on its final tour to Vietnam where it was decommissioned. Upon his discharge from the Coast Guard, Dennis returned to Flint and to General Motors where he became a Pipe Fitter and preformed this job until his retirement.

While in the Coast Guard, Dennis met and married Janice Mueller of DesPlaines Illinois. In late 1971 they welcomed a son, Jason Cronkright, in Lynn, Massachusetts. After the Coast Guard the couple moved to Michigan where they had a daughter, Kiera Cronkright, in 1978 in Flint, Michigan. This marriage would end in 1985. Dennis would then go onto meet and marry June Ann Taylor of Mt. Morris, Michigan. They were married from 1986 – 2014.

Dennis was a member of the Barons Motorcycle club of Gaines, Michigan, 1986 to 1998 (retired). Dennis and June would travel whenever possible with club members or on their own. Seeing the country from the seat of a Harley was a favorite past time for the couple. Many trips to the central and western parts of the country were made this way. While in the Gladwin MI, area they happened across a property that was for sale and decided to take the plunge. Gatherings were held any time possible with family, friends and club events happening at the cabin. The cabin was eventually torn down and a new home built in its place, where Dennis retained residence until his passing.

Dennis enjoyed fishing his favorite spots around the local waterways of Gladwin. He had many maps that he would show to anyone looking for the best fishing hole. He also enjoyed driving the trails in the area in an old Jeep that he had for years. He could also enjoy the peacefulness of his own water front, being able to name many of the bird and wild life that would visit regularly. Always a story to tell, Dennis could make a friend anywhere and it was difficult, not to run into someone he had once worked with in the shop with GM.

Dennis is survived by his daughter Kiera Cronkright of Aurora IL, Aunt, Phyllis Cronkright of Midland MI, and Barb Loomis of Gladwin MI, Sister-in-law, Nancy Cronkright of Ottawa IL, and Rosemary Cronkright of Davison MI, and numerous cousins, niece, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephew, other family and friends. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Ellsworth and Dorothy Faye, his brothers, Gene and Ellis, son Jason, cousin Chuck Nast, and many other loved ones. 

A Memorial service will be held at 2pm, on Friday, May 3, 2024, at the Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd. Holly, MI 48442. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association. To sign online guestbook, visit ww.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.