Donald Joseph Cronin

Donald Joseph Cronin was born in Purvis, MS on August 16, 1932 and passed away on December 26, 2017. His parents were Jessie Roscoe Cronin and Mamie Morris. He was the 3rd child born of a family of 8 children. He lost two brothers in infancy, but had 4 brothers and 1 sister who he shared his early childhood with. His last schooling ended when he was 14, so Dad said he had to work. Work he did – and he became his helper on more than one major project in Jackson, MS. He served in the Army National Guard for 3 years and when the Korean conflict started he joined the Navy with a buddy. After his Training in Boot Camp at San Diego, CA he was assigned to the U.S. Doyle, a World War II destroyer that had been converted to a Mine Sweeper. He served over 9 months overseas in active duty. He returned home for a 30 day leave, which extended to 45 days because his father was ill. He had been hurt in the wrestling ring. (He was a professional wrestler by night), He returned back to his ship that was moored in Long Beach, CA. After visiting friends from MS, he was taken to a church Basketball game. After the game, he met a girl named Gloria Mae Malquist and they then attended a birthday party together. They became very close very quickly and married after 5 weeks courtship in Huntington Park, CA On December 3, 1953. (Celebrated 65 years together) He was a good carpenter, and was able to make a comfortable living because the children came quickly. Just before the 3rd child (Jay) was born he became a firefighter. He gave that up to obtain his own General Contractors license. He was licensed in CA, WA, MS, AZ, UT and built commercial buildings as well as homes. He remained faithful to his field and retired in 2007. His children are Rick (Deceased in 1995), Dianne Price of St. George, Jay of CA, Karen Olson of ID, Duane of AZ and Tarina Case of CO. He has enjoyed the many visits and trips to see his grandchildren and great-grandchildren marry and have children of their own. Many times were spent going to baptisms, ordinations and birthday parties. He enjoyed all 25 grand-children and most of his 43 great-grand-children. He remained a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in MS while his father served as the Branch President of the Jackson, MS Ward for 12 years and continued active along with his eternal companion Gloria until his death. Burial will be at the Tonaquint Cemetery on December 30, 2017 in St. George, UT IN LOVING MEMORY OF DONALD JOSEPH CRONIN “FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS AND ONLY A THOUGHT AWAY

Donald Joseph Cronin

August 16, 1932 - December 26, 2017