Willard Cromwell

Willard 'Jack' Cromwell, Sr. was born on Monday, July 25, 1910, in Williamsburg, Kansas. He was the son of William Oliver and Annie (Morris) Cromwell. Jack grew up in Franklin County. When he became an adult, he lived in Osage and Franklin Counties, moving into Ottawa in the mid to late 1960's, where he made his home, until his death on Thursday, October 12, 2006, at the age of ninety-six years. Jack attended school in Williamsburg. He was a lifelong farmer and long time caretaker of Mt. Hope Cemetery in Williamsburg. Jack took great pride in his farm and his excellent care of the cemetery. In his younger days, he traveled with his father to Nebraska and Iowa for corn-shucking jobs. He enjoyed planting large gardens and sharing his bountiful vegetables with everyone. His tomatoes and potatoes were always some of the best around. He also enjoyed repairing small engines and lawnmowers. Jack's greatest enjoyment came from his family. Their holidays spent together were extra special to Jack. On November 7, 1933, Jack was united in marriage with Elsie May Arnett in Garnett, Kansas. She preceded him in death on October 27, 1998. He is also preceded in death by his son, Willard M. Cromwell, Jr.; two brothers, Leo Cromwell, Perry Cromwell; and three sisters, Minnie Kime, Myrtle Johnson, Effie Gault. Jack is survived by four sons and daughters-in-law, Donald R. and Lois Cromwell of Weatherford, Texas, Richard W. and Melanie Cromwell of Lawrence, Kansas, Jerry L. and Joyce Cromwell of Lawrence, Kansas, Roger D. and Patty Cromwell of Ottawa, Kansas; nine grandchildren, Christa Hoesch, Mike Cromwell, Lorrain Cromwell, Brandon Cromwell, Travis Cromwell, Kim Norris, Angie Gettler, Jackie Ellington, Greg Dujmovic; and eleven great-grandchildren, Brad Cromwell, Ryan Cromwell, Dylan Anderson, Adrian Anderson, Shelby Norris, Jared Norris, Cody Gettler, Colbi Cromwell, Shelbi Cromwell, Steven Bishop and Raeleigh Bishop. SERVICES: Graveside services will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Williamsburg, Kansas, at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 16, 2006. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Cromwell at Dengel & Son Mortuary from 1 to 9:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, where the family will meet with friends from 2 to 3:00 Sunday afternoon. CEMETERY: Mt. Hope Cemetery, Williamsburg, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Wellsville Manor Nursing Home, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.