David Howard Croner

He was loving brother to Fred Croner (III) and brother-in-law to Fred's wife Alice Croner. Dave grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, graduating from Broad Ripple High School and then went on to Butler University, eventually earning a B.S. in general studies and psychology. As a child, teenager and young adult he was an avid trumpeter, playing in the marching band in high school and later in state big-band jazz ensembles. He also had a love for radio, working for a time as a local AM radio music and general news DJ. He served in the U.S. National Guard Reserves for five years as an MP, eventually reaching the rank of Sergeant. After college, he took on several jobs, including at one point working as a door to door salesman and liaison to local grocery stores for Campbell's Soup Company before starting his life-long career and eventual thirty-five odd years at RCA (later GE and after that Thompson Consumer Electronics, after those companies acquired RCA). Starting in the mail-room, Dave worked hard to eventually rise to the position of a VP in marketing, working in Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Toronto and abroad (while living and working primarily in Indianapolis and Carmel, IN, and later retiring first to Hilton Head, SC, and then Fredericksburg, VA, where he and his wife Emily have lived for the past twenty-plus years). Some of his respected accomplishments included helping to market some of RCA's first CD and laser disc players (which eventually would give rise to DVDs), camcorders and big screen televisions, while also collaborating on the "Nipper and Chipper" TV, print and radio campaigns. He was regularly involved in RCA Indy racecar sponsorship projects, working with several renowned racing families/teams, and also contributed to work involving the PGA. Although glad of his career path, Dave was most proud of his family.

He is survived by: His wife Emily Croner. David's daughter Laura Croner and her wife Hallie Croner, along with their children, his grand-daughters; Kayla Gannon, Leesha Hamilton and Jill Stanfield (and her husband Eli Stanfield) and their children, his great-grandchildren; Myla Wade, Dean Huffer and Archer Stanfield. David's son Mike Croner and his wife Sarah Croner, along with their daughters, his grand-daughters; Brianna Croner and Megan Croner. David's son Steve Croner and his wife Jennifer Croner, along with their children, his grand-children; Kaitlin Aelick (and her husband William Aelick), Luke Croner and Scott Croner. David's son Jim Croner and his wife Dana Croner, along with their children, his grand-daughters; Caroline Todd (and her husband Alex Todd) and Rachel Croner. David's daughter Julie Welp and her husband Eric Welp, along with their children, his grand-children; Ethan Welp, Robert Welp and Gigi Welp. And David and Emily's son John Croner.

Dave was an Episcopalian through-out most of his adult life, attending and participating in multiple volunteer projects at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis, IN, as well as at St. Christopher's in Carmel, Indiana, and at St. George's in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Dave had a saying, "love moves down", that he would often share, meaning that a person should always help those in need and he thus tried to always stive to live a life inspired by the acts of compassion, mercy, kindness and unconditional love shown by the words and actions of Jesus.

He was a lover of jazz, history, comedy, satire, theater, opera and current affairs and fan to the Butler Bulldogs, Auburn Tigers and Indianapolis Colts (in that order). Dave was regularly reading whatever and whenever he could and he was always ready to talk to anyone and everyone with warmth, kindness and a hearty laugh. He wishes his family and friends endless love. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

A date and time of service is to be announced soon. Please send donations to Micah Ecumenical Ministries of Fredericksburg, VA, in lieu of flowers.