Mr. William A. O'Connor

William A. O’Connor, 90 of Croswell, peacefully entered eternal life of July 14, 2020 surrounded by his family. He was born June 23, 1930 to the late J. Leo and Grace O’Connor. Bill was a graduate of Croswell Lexington High School, class of 1949. He later joined the United States Air Force where he served for 4 years. Bill then returned to his hometown of Croswell after the Air Force. There he delivered Pyrofax fuel for Cecil Maxfield and sold Ford Tractors for H.H. Brown. While working for Mr. Brown, Bill sold the first snowmobile in Croswell, Michigan. In the early 60’s he partnered and purchased the Croswell Stockyards, later being the sole owner. He was the proud owner of the Croswell Stockyards and Flea Market for nearly 30 years. While raising a young family, Bill always had his boys working hard, whether it be cleaning pens at the yards or baling hay on hot summer days. Bill retired from the Stockyards in 1992, but his legacy continues as son Jim and family continue with the business. After retirement He never stopped. He did Missionary work in Hephzibah Children’s Home in Macon, Georgia. He traveled there three times and helped build their first home. Bill also built countless desks, sheds, prominent white fences in the Croswell area, remodeled homes, built furniture, and even sold cars and furniture in his late years. He was always tinkering in his garage and loved word working. Bill and Ellie traveled many years in the fall and became part of the “Myrtle Beach Gang.” He spent his last 15 winters in Florida with his sister Clara. Bill served as Chairman of the Board at the Sanilac County Medical Care Facility for over 20 years. There he made lifelong friends. His primary goal was to guide the staff and lead the building to be the premier facility in Sanilac County. IN 1981, Bill gave his life to Christ and later became a member of Croswell Wesleyan Church. There he was a Board member for many years, later receiving the Lifetime Trustee Award, for his years of service and dedication. Because of his strong faith, Bill knew he was going to Heaven when he left us on earth. The last five days, while receiving Hospice Care, were truly a celebration of his life. His faith was stronger than ever, he was never afraid, and he was telling jokes until his last day. Bill will always be remembered for his gift of caring, his endless jokes, his love for Jesus, and his never ending love for his family. Bill is survived by his loving wife Eleanor of 64 years, children Stephen (Linda) Hosterman, Randy (Catherine) O’Connor, James O’Connor, Donald O’Connor, Deborah (Randy) Swecker, and Sarah (Fred) Kading. Also survived by 21 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings Edward (Beverly) O’Connor, Carolyn Koch, Clara (John) Will, Marion (Gerald) Hitchcock, and Wayne (Becky) O’Connor. Bill was preceded in death by his parents J.Leo and Grace O’Connor, son Jerry L. Hosterman, grandson Michael R. Schmidt, and siblings Beatrice Norman, Marjorie Looney, Robert O’Connor, George O’Connor, Catherine Ireland, and Tommy O’Connor. In Honor of Bill’s life, there will be an outdoor celebration at son Jim’s place at 3725 Old 51 in Croswell held on August 16, 2020 @ 4pm with dinner following. In Lieu of flowers, any memorial donation can be made to Sanilac Medical Care Facility. The Family would like to thank the following for making Bill’s transition into Heaven unforgettable. Dr. Thomas Mullally and staff, Lake Huron Medical Center, Beacon Home Care, Tri-Hospital EMS, Blue Water Hospice, and Jowett Funeral Home. To view the obituary and share memories, please visit www.jowettfuneraldirectors.com

Mr. William A. O'Connor

June 23, 1930 - July 14, 2020