St. Johns Reminder, April 18, 1999, page 1 Clinton County loses long-time community leader Almond B. Cressman, a life-long resident of Olive Township who provided a lifetime of service to his community - passed away April 11, 1999. A farmer all his life, Almond devoted countless hours to a wide range {of} volunteer ventures, ranging from political office to years of involvement with the Grange and Masons. Almond served as chairman of the Clinton County Board of Supervisors, the arm of county government which predates the current county commission. He was also elected as Olive Township Supervisor, and held appointed positions on a wide range of local, state, and regional organizations which involved planning issues. "Almond was the Olive Township Supervisor when I first arrived on the county scene as Clinton County Prosecutor", says local attorney, Jon Newman. "He would often drop by the office and chat about things - he always stayed active and interested in politics. "He wasn't bashful about visiting any government official and expressing his view." A staunch supporter of the Republican party, the Cressman farm often served as a backdrop for "photo ops" for various GOP candidates and elected officials over the years. "Almond held numerous fundraisers out at the farm - he was an ardent supporter of the Republican party for many years", recalls Leon Brewbaker, a Clinton County businessman who was also a friend and political patriot. "Any time you needed someone to help, Almond was always willing." Almond's life of service extended to an active involvement with the St. Johns Lodge #105 F&AM, St. Johns Chapter #45 RAM, and St Johns Commandry #24 Knights Templar. He was Master of Olive Grange #358, and held numerous local and state offices with the Grange. "Almond was certainly well thought of in the grange, and held some high positions of leadership", says fellow Granger and fiend, A.J. Thelen. "He played a key role in the development of agricultural policy at the state level, and his opinion was highly regarded by both political parties." A.J. recalls the pride that Almond felt in being appointed as the chairman of the State Agriculture Committee by Gov. G. Mennen Williams - a Democrat. "Soapy thought enough of Almond's view to ask him to serve - and, I'm sure he and Soapy had some interesting discussions", A.J. said with a laugh. Funeral services for A]mond were held April 14 at the First Congretagational Church in St. Johns where he was a member. A complete obituary is found on page 41. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- St. Johns Reminder, April 18, 1999, page 41 Almond Cressman Almond B. Cressman, lifelong Olive Township Clinton County farmer, passed away April 11,1999. He was born Oct. 22, 1911. Almond attended the Merle Beach one-room schoolhouse, and graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School with the Class of 1930. He married Dorothy Beck Dec. 25, 1933. She preceded him in death in 1998. Almond was a long-time community leader, serving on numerous boards and commissions. He was past chairperson of the Clinton County Board of Supervisors (before commissioner form of government), past Olive Township supervisor, past chairman of the Clinton County Planning Commission, past chairman of the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, past charman of the Michigan Association of Regions, and long-time active member of the Republican Party. He was a member of the First Congregational Church and Congregators. He was a member and past treasurer of St.Johns Lodge #105 F&AM, St. Johns Chapter #45 RAM, St. Johns Commandry #24 Knights Templar, and the St. Johns Masonic Temple Association. He was also a member of the St. Johns OES #79. He was Master of Olive Grange #358,past Masteer of Clinton County Pomona Grange, member of the Michigan State Grange, National Grange, and past Overseer of the Michigan State Grange. He was past chairman of the Agricultural Committee Michigan State Grange for many years, and a member of the Michigan State Grange Executive Committee. Almond took great joy in being Santa's helper at various community Christmas functions. A highlight of his rural heritage and tribute to his agricultural background was being selected by farmers and world affairs as a delegate to tour Pakistan in 1976. Surviving are [deleted for privacy] The funeral service was held April 14 at the First Congregational Church in St. Johns with the Rev. Matt Olson officiating. Burial was at Mt. Rest Cemetery. A Masonic Service was held April 13 at the Osgood Funeral Home, St. Johns. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Congregational Church, or the Michigan Masonic Home. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lansing State Journal, Tuesday, April 13, 1999 (same as above other than formatting and tense of arrangements) CRESSMAN, ALMOND B. Olive Township Almond B. Cressman, lifelong Olive Township, Clinton County farmer, passed away April 11, 1999. He was born October 22, 1911, attended the Merle Beach one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School with the class of 1930. On December 25, 1933, he married Dorothy Beck who preceded him in death in 1998. Almond was a long-time community leader, serving on numerous boards and commissions. He was past Chairman of the Clinton County Board of Supervisors (before commissioner form of government); past Olive Township Supervisor; past Chairman of the Clinton County Planning Commission; past Chariman of the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission; past Chairman of the Michigan Association of Regions; and long-time active member of the Republican Party. He was a member of the First Congregational Church and Congregators. He was a member and past Treasurer of St. Johns Lodge #105 F. & A.M.; St. Johns Chapter #45 R.A.M.; St. Johns Commandry #24 Knights Templar; and the St. Johns Masonic Temple Association. He was also a member of the St. Johns O.E.S. #79. He was Master of Olive Grange #358; past Master of Clinton County Pomona Grange; member of Michigan State Grange and National Grange; and past Overseer of the Michigan State Grange. He was past Chairman of the Agricultural Committee Michigan State Grange for many years and a member of the Michigan State Grange Executive Committee. Almond took great joy in being Santa's helper at various community Christmas functions. A highlight of his rural heritage and tribute to his agricultural background was being selected by Farmers and World Affairs as a Delegate to tour Pakistan in 1976. He is survived by [deleted for privacy] Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 14 1999, at the First Congregational Church, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery, with Rev. Matt Olson officiating. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at the Osgood Funeral Home with a Masonic service at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evening. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Congregational Church or the Michigan Masonic Home.