Donald Malcolm “Dutch” Cronkhite, 86, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2014, at his home, thanks to his son Richard and his grandson James, who were his caregivers for the last two years.

Born September 30, 1927, in Fort Edward, NY, he was the son of the late James and Ella (Wells) Cronkhite, and a direct descendant from the Mayflower. He was the last of a generation of Cronkhites, being the youngest of eight children.

Don was nicknamed “Dutch” by a neighbor as a child, and it stuck with him through adulthood. He attended Fort Edward High School where he played football and ran track, setting records that stood for years. He graduated in 1947.

Dutch proudly served his country in the United States Air Force in the Korean War as an aircraft sea rescuer, and also as a gunner on the bombers. He served from 1948-1959.

On November 19, 1955, Dutch married the love of his life, Louise Coulter, at the St. James Episcopal Church in Fort Edward, NY.

Dutch worked for the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier, and was affectionately known as the “Whistling Mailman.” He retired from the Post Office in 1988.

Dutch was a past member of the Elks Lodge #81 in Queensbury. He was also a lifetime member of the Satterlee Hose Company in Fort Edward, and played coronet in the Vagabonds, with which he traveled extensively and won many awards. Dutch was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed bowling and gardening. Dutch was also an avid sports fan, and most loved the L.A. Dodgers and the NY Giants.

In addition to his parents, Dutch was predeceased by his wife, Louise Cronkhite who passed away in 2011, his son-in-law, Ray Jett, his in-laws, Bob and Nellie Coulter, and his siblings; Mary Woodward, John Cronkhite, Charles Cronkhite, Helen Cronkhite, William Cronkhite, Doris VanVranken, and Thomas Cronkhite.

Survivors include Dutch’s children; Debra Buckley and her husband Timothy of South Glens Falls, Sandra Jett of Lake George, Robert Cronkhite and his partner Thomas Lee of Sacramento, CA, and Richard Cronkhite of South Glens Falls, his grandchildren; Scott Buckley and his wife Nicole of North Reading, MA, Daniel Buckley and his wife Jacquelyn of Gansevoort, Christina Buckley of South Glens Falls, Autumn Harding and her husband Beau of Queensbury, James Cronkhite of South Glens Falls, and Raeanne Jett of Lake George, 7 great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call from 4-7 on Monday, March 17, 2014 at the M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 136 Main Street, South Glens Falls, NY 12803. To leave online condolences or to view Dutch’s Book of Memories, please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.

A Celebration of a Christian Life will be conducted at the funeral home at 11am on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, with Rev. Nancy Goff from the Church of the Messiah officiating.

Burial with full military honors and the Patriot Guard Riders will be conducted at 11:00am on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at the Gansevoort Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Dutch’s name can be made to the Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Malcolm "Dutch" Cronkhite, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.