Harold L. Cripps

Harold L. Cripps Battle Creek Harold L. Cripps, 84, a long time Battle Creek resident, died at Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence, with his family at his side, on Wednesday, October 13, 2010. He was born in Athens, Michigan (where he was known as 'Foozy') to Gladys (Smith) and Forrest Cripps on October 4, 1926. Harold grew up in Athens and graduated from Athens High School in 1944; he was captain of the football and basketball teams and vice president of the student council. He spent his early years hunting and fishing the rural areas around Athens. Harold joined the Navy in February 1944 and he served 2½years as a Seaman 1st class on the Light Cruiser USS Brooklyn in the Mediterranean during World War II, where he earned two battle stars. The Athens WW II memorial lists his name next to that of his brother, Donald, who served in the Pacific arena. On his return to the port of New York he met Mary Kolada, whom he married June 15th, 1946 in Battle Creek. Harold attended and received a diploma from Argubright Business College in 1947 on the GI bill. He then attended the University of Wisconsin Banking School from 1966-1968. Subsequently he worked at Security National Bank (later Comerica) in Battle Creek for 42 years, from 1947 to 1989; first as an auditor and retired as Senior Vice-President and Cashier. On April 10, 2010, he was joined in matrimony to Athens classmate Beverly O'Keefe at The Heritage in Battle Creek. Mary, his wife of 62 years preceded him in death on October 6th 2008, after years of loving care given by Harold. Also preceding Harold in death were his sisters, Virginia Converse of Fine Lake and Evelyn Converse of Athens. Surviving are their three children, Dr. Cathy (Don Bachman) Cripps of Bozeman MT, Cindra (Ogden) Kellogg of Gold Hill, OR, Jeff Cripps DVM of Dimondale; two step-grandsons; one step-granddaughter; a brother, Donald Cripps of Battle Creek; and many nieces and nephews. Harold was a long time member of the First Congregational Church and was devoted to his family. He donated his time as chairman of the Police and Fire Pension board for 19 years and as treasurer for the YMCA during its remodeling. Harold received a Proclamation from the Mayor and City Commission of Battle Creek in 2009 for his service. He was a member of the Athelstan and Battle Creek Country Clubs and was a well-respected member of the community. Harold's hobbies included golf and coin-collecting, and he was the accountant for his son's veterinarian clinic. His children will miss their loved and respected father, one of the world's last honest men "to the penny". Services to celebrate Harold's life will be officiated by Rev. Thomas Ott at Ft. Custer National Cemetery 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 19, 2010. Arrangements will be announced by the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of one's choice. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.