William Cron

Dr. William James “Bill” Cron 82 February 9, 1929 – March 24, 2011 Bloomington lost one of its most caring physicians on March 24th of 2011 with the passing of Dr. Bill Cron. With his retirement in October 2010, Bill was Bloomington’s oldest practicing physician. Bill died peacefully surrounded by family. Born on February 9, 1929 in Celina, Ohio, he was the son of Carl and Edna Cron. His mother graduated from I.U. in 1918 and became a nurse at Walter Reed Hospital; her influence is much of what drove Bill to become a physician. Bill graduated from Celina High School in 1947 as a member of the National Honor Society and president of his senior class. He graduated from Indiana University in 1951, and in that same year he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Smalley. Their union encompassed sixty wonderful and loving years, truly a match made in heaven. In 1955, Bill graduated from medical school at Ohio State in Columbus, OH, followed by an internship at Mt. Carmel Hospital in 1956. After that, Bill spent two years in the United States Air Force stationed in Laredo, Texas. In 1959, Bill and Patricia moved to Warsaw, IN where he was in a general practice for 10 years. Bill and Patricia were again on the move in 1969. Bill entered a three year dermatology residency at Indiana University Medical School. They again moved in 1972 to the place they loved, Bloomington, IN, where he opened his dermatology practice. For thirty-eight years, he cared for his patients. He was even known to take a basket of vegetables or a baked good as payment for services rendered. While going through some of his things this week, his daughter found a piece of paper that he had once clipped. A quote from Einstein was displayed upon it stating, “Try not to be a man of success, but rather to be a man of value.” This is the way Bill lived his life by helping others. He was a member of St. Marks Methodist Church, a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, past Chief of staff at Bloomington Hospital, past president of the Monroe County Medical Society, and recently received the Hackney-Norins Award for exemplary contributions to patient care, community welfare, dermatologic education, and specialty of dermatology by his friends and colleagues in Hackney-Norins Society at Indiana University. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Patricia, children; Dr. Christopher C. Cron (Rita) Louisville, KY, Catherine C. Hines (Greg) Georgetown, IN, Andrew D. Cron (Tina) Bloomington, IN; all graduates of Indiana University, and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jack. He loved his family, Bloomington, I.U. sports, his farm, the Cincinnati Reds, mowing, crossword puzzles, collecting unique sweatshirts, and his chocolate Labrador “Ginger”. His was a life of meaning. A memorial service will be held at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church on Thursday, March 31st at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Bill’s name can be made to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, Bloomington Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice.

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William Cron

February 9, 1929 - March 24, 2011