Billy LaVern Crego

Billy LaVern Crego was born August 4, 1933, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Max and S. Maxine (Parkinson) Crego. Billy and his family moved to Cadillac, MI when he was in the 4th grade. He went on to graduate from Cadillac High School in 1952, and attended Michigan State College from 1952-1954 where he studied Dairy Management. Billy served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict from 1954-1956. Billy married the love of his life, Carolyn Hoover on December 3, 1961. He had many different interests in his life, but three things always remained the same; his Faith, his love for dogs and horses (some other animals too), his love and devotion to his family.

Billy was a founding member of the Michigan Draft Horse Breeders Association, Co-founder of the Michigan Great Lakes International Draft Horse Show & Pull, Watertown Township Citizen of the Year, and served on the fire board for many years. He was a devoted member of the Redeemer Church in DeWitt for 68 years. He served on many committees at the church and was an integral part of raising funds for erecting the current building. He even used a team of his draft horses to plow the first row of ground for the second installment. Billy was also a member of Clinton County Sheriff’s Mounted Division. Billy worked for the Lansing/Heatherwood/McDonald Dairy for 42 years, delivering milk and other products to schools, grocery stores, etc. During his time at the dairy, he made many lifelong friends. In his retirement years, he worked for Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, DeWitt Chapel for 15 years, using his compassionate nature to comfort others during a difficult time.

He was predeceased by his father and mother; brothers, Robert Crego and John “Jack” Crego and brothers-in-law, Ralph Conant and Alan Howarth.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Carolyn (Hoover) Crego; 2 daughters, Kimberly (Jeffrey) Stevens of DeWitt, Kristine (Tim) Palmer of Lansing; 6 grandchildren, Nicole (Wolgamott) Quinn and Kyle Wolgamott of DeWitt, Kurtis (Carly) Hoeve of Lansing; Erin (Josh) Jimmerson of Potterville, Robin (Andrew) Celeski of Jupiter, FL and Casey (Jason) Thompson of Lansing. 8 Great-Grandchildren: Isabelle (Riley Hendrick) Quinn and Abigail Quinn, Payson and Paxton Jimmerson, Briar and Haisey Hoeve and Nik and Luke Celeski; siblings, Gayle Conant and Jeanne Howarth; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 11 A.M. at Redeemer Church 13980 Schavey Road, DeWitt, Michigan 48820 with Pastor Debbie Thomas officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the church and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Burial will take place at DeWitt Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions in Billy’s memory to Redeemer Church 13980 Schavey Road, DeWitt, MI 48820 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org