Obituary for Robert Cronin

Ponca City Now - January 3, 2015 12:00 am

Robert Bersche “Bob” Cronin of Blackwell died Friday, January 2, 2015, at the Ponca City Medical Center in Ponca City at the age of 86 years.

Robert Bersche “Bob” Cronin was born on May 18, 1928, in Blackwell to John Hugh and Louise (Bersche) Cronin. He grew up in Blackwell attending Blackwell Public Schools and graduated from Blackwell High School in 1946. He furthered his education at Northern Oklahoma Junior College in Tonkawa receiving his associate in science degree in 1948. He continued his education at the University of Oklahoma receiving a bachelors degree in geology in 1950. Following his education he entered the United States Army serving during the Korean Conflict. While serving in the Army, he married Virginia Pauline Cannon on April 14, 1951, in Ponca City, Oklahoma. While he continued his service she lived in Blackwell. Following his discharge they moved to Great Bend, Kansas, where he began working for Cities Service. They later moved back to Blackwell where he began his farming operation. Following the 1955 tornado destruction, he continued to farm and began working at Continental Oil Company in Ponca City for thirteen years. Following his retirement from Continental Oil Company he continued farming. On December 19, 2002, his wife preceded him in death and he continued to make Blackwell his home. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Blackwell. He enjoyed bowling, watching Oklahoma Sooner Football, and fishing.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Jack Cronin; one sister, Mary Lou Meeks; and two grandchildren, Bobby Thilsted and Garrett Harris.

He is survived by one son, Jim Cronin and wife Cherry of Blackwell; two daughters, Carolyn Gray and husband Dennis of Ponca City, and Jennie Sisney and husband Jim of Newkirk; nine grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and one sister, Irene Humphries of Ponca City, Oklahoma.

Memorial services are scheduled for Tuesday, January 6th at 2:00 p.m. in the First Christian Church in Blackwell, with Rev. Jeff Koch officiating.

Honorary casketbearers will be the Holy Grounds Men’s Group and the Harmony Sunday School Class.

A memorial has been established in his memory with the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631