David Lee Cromley

David Lee Cromley died Feb 1, 2026 from old age and declining health. In his own words he did not “pass” but probably flunked instead. He did, however, live long enough (91 years) to pen this obituary. Lee was born on a farm in Pennsylvania during the Great Depression. Money was scarce, so he was born at home. Growing up, he was a devoted 4-H member and personally raised hogs, honey bees, and capons (whatever became of capons?). He also milked cows, tended chickens, and curried horses. And he spent countless hours shoveling manure. After attending grades 1-8 in one-room country schools, he entered the ninth grade in town where he learned very little except algebra, having covered 9th grade English, history, etc. in the one-room school. Following high school he enrolled in Forestry at Penn State College (now University), and spent two summers working for tree expert companies and one summer with the U.S. Forest Service in Oregon. Upon graduation from college he worked briefly for the U.S. Forest Service then served on active duty in the U.S. Army, followed by six years in the Army Reserves. Halfway through his military active duty he married the love of his life, Carol Knight, who then accompanied him to each of his duty stations. Upon resuming his Forest Service career, he served on two National Forests in Oregon and two in Washington; then to the Regional Office in Juneau, Alaska followed by five years in the National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. His last assignment was to the Regional Office in Atlanta, Georgia. While stationed in Oregon, his wife gave birth to Clayton Lee and Marla Kay in Eugene. All through his school years he was never first in his class, but unlike George Armstrong Custer at West Point, he was never last, either. He was most proud of his son and daughter, admitting honestly that his wife had most to do with their developing into wonderful people. We, the children, would like to add our thanks and admiration for a great dad. And when recently discussing getting to know his six great grandchildren, he quipped, “It is I who make them great!” He was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Marion Fahringer Cromley, and sisters Mary Frances Stephens (Charles) and Betty Sylvester, brother Willard Cromley (Lila), and his precious wife Carol. He is greatly missed by his two children, grandchildren Mary Katherine Silloway (Patrick) and Ryan D. Jones (Ashley), six great grandchildren, his brother Carl Cromley (Bonnie), and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. A family memorial service will be held later.

David Lee Cromley

February 1, 2026