Information courtesy of Roger Hopkins 26 May 2003

Piqua Daily Call

Piqua, Ohio

Friday, August 22, 1952

Jackson C. Cron, Piqua Funeral Director, Dies

Although he had been in failing health for six years, word of the death of Jackson C. Cron, 83, 411 Broadway, funeral director in Piqua for more than 60 years, came as a shock to his wide circle of friends.

Mr. Cron died Thursday at 9:40 p.m. at Piqua Memorial hospital where he was admitted six hours earlier. He had been ill for several days and died unexpectedly of heart failure.

Jackson Clifford Cron was born in Shawnee, East Piqua, June 18, 1869, the son of Lucius C. and Margaret Ginn Cron, both members of pioneer families in this area. His father was a former mayor of Piqua. He attended the local schools until 1888 when he entered his father’s furniture factory to learn cabinet making. Six months later he went into business for himself and opened a furniture store in partnership with the late Frank C. Campbell.

Three years later this partnership was dissolved and he took over the furniture and undertaking business of W. L. Cron and Sons, associated with his father and Seth I. Zemer. He opened a funeral home at 400 North Wayne street, the present location, in 1919. He had been a licensed embalmer since August 12, 1902, when a state law made it necessary for such a business to be licensed and held the oldest license in Ohio.

At the time of his death, he was still head of the firm of J. C. Cron and Sons, with his three sons as partners although ill health had necessitated his retirement from active participation in the business.

He was a member of the Piqua Chapter 523, BPOE, an honoray member of the Piqua Rotary club, the Jr. OUAM, Order of Macabees and Loyal Order of Moose. He had traveled extensively both in this country and Europe.

On June 1, 1898, he was married in Piqua to Miss Stella Danman, who died April 30, 1928.

Mr. Cron had been totally blind for four years and suffered with diabetes buy although his health restricted his heretofore active life, he never uttered a complaint and maintained unfailing patience and good humor. He kept abreast of current events, possessed a keen sense of humor and was the beloved friend of all the neighborhood children. One of his devoted daughter-in-law, Mrs. John C. Cron, had carred for him as both daughter and nurse through the years when his illness demanded constant and efficient help and thoughtfulness.

Surviving are three sons, Kenneth Lucius and John Clifford of Piqua, and Robert Denman Cron of Troy; a brother, Charles S. Cron of Columbus; four grandchildren, Richard Cron of Piqua, Jackson Cron, with the Army in Korea, Nancy Cron of Piqua, and Carolyn Cron of Troy, and a great-grandson, Stephen Kieth Cron of Piqua. A daughter, Irene, died May 13, 1908. Also preceding him in death were two sisters, Mrs. Henry May (Ella) and Hattie, a brother, Albert; a half-brother, Clarence Cron, and a half-sister, Mrs. Robert L. Kunkle (Florence), who died in May of this year.

The Rev. Austin Whitmore, pastor of Greene Street Methodist church, will conduct services Sunday at 2 p.m. at the J. C. Cron and Sons chapel with burial in Forest Hill cemetery.

Friends may call Saturday afternoon and evening and Sunday at the funeral home where members of the Elks lodge will hold Lodge of Sorrow, Saturday at 8 p.m.

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