EASTON – Everett C. Cronkite, 74, died Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at The Aroostook Medical Center, Presque Isle. He suffered from multiple myeloma for six years, but was hospitalized only briefly before his death. He was born March 24, 1936, in Fort Fairfield, son of Cecil and Madeline (Dudley) Cronkite.
He graduated from Easton High School in 1953, and he married Gaye Blanchard, May 28, 1956, in Mars Hill. Everett grew potatoes in Easton from more than 30 years, retiring from farming in 1987. He then worked as a mechanic for Easton Highway Department until last year. He enjoyed harness racing and was part owner of a Maine Breeders Stakes winner. Everett also enjoyed gardening, model railroading, going to breakfast with his friends and fishing. He bragged obnoxiously about his grandchildren and his dog, Clifford.
He is survived by his wife of Easton; three children, Andrea Cronkite and her husband, Phil Kinney, of Bowdoin, Mark Cronkite and his partner, Diane Bonneville, of South Portland, and Allison Cronkite of Easton; a sister, Glennis Fuller and her husband, Scott, of Wells; a brother, Merlon Cronkite and his partner, Debbie Tompkins, of Easton; two sisters-in-law, Jackalene Bradley of Easton and Bonnie Shibles of South Portland; a brother-in-law, Robert Blanchard and his wife, Dale, of Easton; five grandchildren, Cheryl Fernandez, Brian and Ben Cronkite, and Katelyn and Morgan Kinney; a great-granddaughter, Haley; many beloved nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted 3 p.m. Monday, March 7, at Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle. Friends and relatives may call 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Spring interment will be at Estes Park Cemetery, Easton. Those who wish may make donations in his memory to either Aroostook Cancer Care, P.O. Box 811, Presque Isle, ME 04769 or The Aroostook Hospice House of Comfort Foundation, P.O. Box 766, Presque Isle, ME 04769. Online condolences may be made at
www.duncan-graves.com.