Obituary of William Halbert McCracken III

William Halbert “Hal” McCracken III, 77, of Onalaska, Washington, passed away Monday, April 29, 2019, at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington. He was born September 29, 1941, in Los Angeles, California, the only son of the late William Halbert “Bill” McCracken II and Gladys E. Black-McCracken. 

Hal was a 1959 graduate of Kearny High School in San Diego.  He later went on to earn his AA degree online at Columbia College. He began his work career in management, working for Fed Mart in San Diego, California. He then worked for the civil service in Guam, Japan, Seattle, the Philippines and Italy for the Navy Exchange distribution centers.  Hal went on to work as a warehouse manager for a few Costco stores in the California area and then later as a depot manager in Auburn, Washington. After 12 years of service, Hal retired at age 55.  

He attended the Catholic Church and enjoyed reading and studying his Bible. He also enjoyed walking the trails of his 17-acre property in Onalaska with his wife and two dogs, and practicing his shooting skills at his home gun range. He was dedicated to the Republican Party and a strong Trump supporter. Hal was not only hard-working and tenacious about his health and fitness practices, he was incredibly generous and had a tremendous heart for the underprivileged and poor. He was also known for his great sense of humor and often would say his good-byes with "Peace be with you!"  Hal will be sorely missed by all those he greatly inspired and touched. 

He is survived by his devoted wife and companion of 46 years, Melissa McCracken; three daughters, Cyndi Gamble Trogden of Phoenix, Arizona, Kelly  Companioni of Phoenix, Arizona, and Stephanie Deckys of Bothell, Washington; three step-sons, John Muller of Auburn, Washington, Bill Johnson of Roseville, California,  and Mike Johnson of Onalaska; 17 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Hal was preceded in death by his sister, Ann Main; and son, William Halbert "Bert" McCracken IV.

A celebration of Hal's life will be held at a later date.

I’m Free

 

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.

I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard him call.

I turned my back and left it all.

 

I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

I found that peace at the close of the day.

 

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah, yes, these things I too will miss.

 

Be not burdened with times of sorrow.

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I’ve savored much,

Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

 

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your hearts and share with me.

God wanted me now: He set me free.

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