Lonnie Lee McCrackin

Lonnie McCrackin, age 80, of Grandville, passed away of natural causes on Saturday, July 21, 2018. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kelly McCrackin; his parents, William A. McCrackin and Rittie L. (Thompkins) McCrackin; his brothers, Kenneth D. McCrackin and Roy McCrackin; and his sisters, Merle R. (McCrackin) Henderson and Ruthie U. (McCrackin) New. Surviving are his wife, Thelma McCrackin; his son, John McCrackin and his wife, Tara (Patrick) McCrackin; his granddaughter, Taylor; and many nieces and nephews. Lonnie was born on May 5, 1938 in Garner, Arkansas and moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1940 with his family. He and Thelma met there and were married on June 28, 1958. Lonnie began his professional career as an architectural draftsperson in Kalamazoo, then moved his family to Grandville, Michigan in 1968 after he began work for Steelcase. Lonnie’s career trajectory culminated with leadership positions in engineering at Steelcase. Lonnie loved his family immensely. He doted on his granddaughter, Taylor, who always had her way with her Grandpa; drawing “hair” on his bald head with a sharpie, painting his toenails, or convincing him to jump into an ice-cold swimming pool with her. He was a Grandfather unparalleled. He loved to hunt, fish, do yard work, follow Detroit Tigers Baseball and spend time with Thelma. They loved traveling the West Coast of Michigan visiting casinos along the way while enjoying the state of Michigan’s natural beauty, as well as, travelling to Alabama to visit relatives. Always a people person, Lonnie loved to talk whether it be to neighbors, friends, family or somebody he’d just met. He loved to share a joke, play and kid, was a great public speaker and friend to all. His outlook on life was that of the perpetual optimist – the glass was always half full. Lonnie was a great confidant and always had a consoling word to share. He constantly had a smile on his face. The world would do well to have more people like Lonnie. He will be missed. The McCrackin family would like to express their thankfulness to Emmanuel Hospice who helped guide Lonnie on his journey, as well as, Brookcrest Nursing Home in Grandville. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that charitable donations be made to Emmanuel Hospice (http://emmanuelhospice.org) in remembrance of Lonnie. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW with Pastor Dennis Gilbert officiating. Interment Grandville Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Leave Your Tribute Message

July 25, 2018

Thelma & John, so sorry for the loss of Lonnie, great family vacations on Pickrel Lake and the anticipation of getting together with John & Kelly every year. My thoughts are with you Julie

- Julie (Vande Weg) Malone

July 25, 2018

Thelma, John and Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss of Lonnie. He was such a wonderful person. He was my manager when I started in Special Engineering. He was well respected and everyone thought highly of him. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

- Linda Pitchellis

July 25, 2018

Thelma, I'm so sorry to hear of Lonnie's passing. Of course, we knew him as Mac when he helped us with all maintenance matters at Matsch Systems (I was the office manager; don't know if you remember me). Gosh, that was probably over 20 years ago, and he was the nicest man I've ever met. The best window washer too! You were so lucky to have such a friendly, happy, handy guy as your hubby. Please take care.

- Terry Dikker

July 24, 2018

Uncle Lonnie he will be greatly mist

- David mccrackin

July 24, 2018

Dear Thelma, John and family, I am so sorry for the loss of Lonnie. I still remember our times at the lake in Newaygo and the fun we had. Lonnie always had a great smile and just happy to be around. My heart aches for your loss. He was truly a wonderful man the world needs more of.

- Wanda (Van De Weg) Wicke

July 24, 2018

It was a great honor to be able to have known him through the years, and being a part of the family. He will be missed.

- Ryan Almon Farr

July 24, 2018

He was the best uncle anyone could ever ask for. I loved his sense of humor and his understanding. I will miss him deeply.

- Jesse Lee McCrackin

July 23, 2018

I'm so sorry for your loss, aunt Thelma and john, I wish I would of got to grand Rapids sooner, to see uncle Lonnie and you, my heart aches for you. You are in our prayers, John and Helen new.

- Johnny and Helen new

July 23, 2018

Dearest Thelma, John, and the entire McCrackin Family, My deepest condolences on your loss of Lonnie. We all loved him. Lonnie was my childhood "second Dad". His humor and smile is connected with many of my fondest childhood memories. My Father loved Lonnie as well and considered him a close friend that was always willing to help out with a problem, or being a co-scout leader. So many laughs. May you rest in peace kind funny man. You will be greatly missed and held fondly in our hearts for the rest of our lives. Love, Robert / Bob Hanline

- Robert (Bobby) Hanline