Carleton Cronkhite Obituary

RETIRED LT. COLONEL CARLETON EMMONS CRONKHITE Retired Lt. Colonel Carleton Emmons Cronkhite, age 82, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away at 11:50 AM, Saturday, October 19, 2013 in St. Joseph Hospital, Kokomo. Born August 22, 1931 in Wahpeton, North Dakota, he is the son of the late Emmons Cronkhite and Pearl (Cherry) Cronkhite. On April 16, 1961 at Offutt AFB, NE, he married Sheri L. Parkhurst. She preceded him in death, February 17, 2006. On November 2, 1953 in Chicago, IL, he joined the United States Air Force, serving his country proudly as a pilot in the Korean War and Vietnam War, retiring after 29 years of service. He then was a financial planner for 12 years with USPA & IRA. He received his Bachelor Degree from Ball State University. He was a member of the United States Air Force Association, Order of the Daedalions; was an avid golfer, and enjoyed model airplane building. Survivors include one son, William D. Cronkhite III of Olathe, Kansas; four daughters, Catherine (John N.) Waldron of Carmel, Indiana, Patricia (Ronald) Bailey of Oak Harbor, Washington, Nancy L. (Timothy A.) Groff of Olathe, Kansas, and Ann L. Cronkhite (husband-John York) of Kokomo; and one sister Evelyn Buschman of Westmont, Illinois. There are nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren, one niece, and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife. Full military honors will take place in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, at a later date. There will be no public visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Wounded Warrior project. You may read Lt. Colonel Cronkhite 's obituary at www.ellersmortuary.com where you may sign the guestbook, make a memorial donation, or share a personal message to the family. Ellers Mortuary Webster Street Chapel, Kokomo, is handling arrangements.