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.