Hugh Whitcomb “Whit” Cranson, 91 passed due to complications from Acute Leukemia Thursday, July 13, 2017 at Almost Like Home Adult Care in Bronson.
Hugh was born November 5, 1925 to Hugh and Mamie (Bower) Cranson in Fawn River Township. His father died of pneumonia when Whit was the tender age of 11, leaving his mother the task of raising him on her own. He graduated from Bronson High School in 1943, where he competed in basketball, football, and baseball. In January of 1944 he joined the U.S. Marines serving during WWII as part of F Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Division seeing action as a machine gunner in Bougainville, Iwo Jima, Guam, and China. In 1946 he returned to his job at Bronson Reel where he stayed until it closed in 1970. He also worked for Bronson Action Rod, Outdoor Sports, and Kaufman Footwear.
He met his wife Ethel “Butch” Schuler at a dance at Bledsoe Beach on Lake James. They married on April 23, 1949 at Holy Angels Church in Sturgis. In 1952 they moved to their home at Matteson Lake. Whit loved Matteson Lake and was blessed with great neighbors who became part of his extended family for over 60 years. Whit was a loving, forgiving, fun father that gave his daughters a home in which they felt safe and loved, a home that was filled with laughter from their parent’s many friends.
Whit was involved in the Bronson community as a Boy Scout Leader, Jaycees, American Legion, VFW, Knights of Columbus, and the coffee club. Whit was a Bronson High School sports fan for over 80 years as well as an avid University of Michigan fan. He will be remembered for his “unfiltered” comments and his choice to be happy and live his life to the fullest regardless of his age.
Mr. Cranson is survived by his children Sandra (Ted) Blouin of Bronson, Toni (Jim) Beaton of Suttons Bay, and Barbara (Bob) Hyska of Bronson; his grandchildren Kerry (Diana) Blouin, Debbie (Chris) Craft, Devin (Amanda Korn) Hyska, Neil Hyska, Donna (Duane) Puris, and Heather Richards; his great grandchildren Kinslea, Travis, Darin, Elizabeth, Elayna, Evan, and Derek. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife of 46 years.
Visitation will be Monday, July 17, 2017 at Dutcher Funeral Home in Bronson from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. A funeral service will take place at 11:00 AM Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at Dutcher Funeral Home in Bronson with Pastor Terry Siler of the First Congregational Church officiating. Interment will follow at Matteson Cemetery with Military Honors presented by the Bronson American Legion Post #259.
Memorials may be directed to Bronson High School Girl’s Softball Fund. www.dutcherfh.com