William Andrew Cronce

William Andrew Cronce, 38, of DeRidder, LA, passed from this life on Friday, February 23, 2024.

Above all things, he was a dad. There wasn’t another title that could ever hold a candle to the responsibility that he felt as a father. He pushed, loved and wanted greatness for his son. They were in it together, always growing together. It was always just Andrew and Bo.

He was a little hardheaded, but always hard-working. He was determined.

Andrew graduated from DeRidder High School in 2003. He moved into the next chapter of his life proudly showing off his High School Baseball State Championship ring. Those memories and that feeling of success motivated him throughout his entire life.

He often spoke of his time working at the Smith Farm and the many people he met while pipelining. He soaked it all in and never stopped learning. Andrew got his first dozer nearly 9 years ago. He settled in and his passion for moving dirt quickly grew. He established AC Dozer, LLC and worked tirelessly to grow his business as an honest and fair businessman.

He was committed to the future of DeRidder Baseball. As always, it started at home for Andrew. He coached Korben year after year, sport after sport. He became a father figure and mentor to so many. He cherished each jersey, child and memory.

He saw an opportunity to assist the DHS Baseball Program where he served as the Assistant Coach in 2022 and 2023. He believed in the Dragon Spirit to his core. He saw greatness for the future. The spark he lit will be seen for generations to come through the hard work and determination of so many athletes.

He was unstoppable on a machine or with a ball in his glove. He wasn’t always a great spectator. He was truly the man in the arena - falling, standing up and trying again. Behind an extremely hard exterior, was the most gentle man. He loved and lived with so much emotion and passion.

His legacy should leave behind many important life lessons. Don’t settle. Be the change. Love the unlovable. Live with empathy. But most importantly, give yourself grace. Perfection isn’t the goal.

Living your own life on the path that God has chosen for you is the only option. Keep going. “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” - John 13:7

Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Korben Andrew Cronce of DeRidder, LA; stepdaughter, Kynli Brooke Coffman of Leesville, LA; mother, Theresa Stout and Bobby of DeRidder, LA; father, Joe Cronce and Kelly of DeRidder, LA; sisters, Chance Lauren Gilmer and Ethan of DeRidder, LA, Chase Madison Williams and Ty of Leesville, LA; nephews, Grayson Gilmer and Drake Williams; grandmother, Mary Jantz of DeRidder, LA and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Linda and Norwood Hickman, Mae and Ben Stout, Eugene Jantz, Bronnie and Lew Cronce; aunts, Marlanea Cooley, Paula Rykard; uncle, Ronnie Cronce.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. Funeral service will be at 10:30, Thursday, February 29, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in DeRidder, LA. Father V. Wayne LeBleu and Pastor Steve Graves will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Colton Martin, Kevin Hill, Sam Peterson, Casey Housman, Michael Johnson, Roy Johnson. Honorary Pallbearers will be The Leatherbacks and Champion Baseball teams.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation be made to “Big Blue” (DeRidder High School Baseball program) or towards a scholarship fund for Korben.