At Crunchy's, amidst the typical chuckling and flow of beer, an underlying scent of sadness permeates the barroom as employees and regular patrons cope with the death of restaurant owner David Milligan, 55.

"Today, while enjoying your visit to Crunchy's, remember Dave in your heart and with a smile," reads a sign hanging adjacent to the bar.

By all accounts, that's just the way Milligan - who was killed in an early-morning crash Thursday - would have it.

"I've been coming here for 20 years," Lansing resident Fred Pendergraft said, remembering the occasional Saturdays that he worked as a cook for the late owner. "He was always friendly to me."

According to police reports, the Laingsburg resident was driving north in the southbound lane of U.S. 127 at about 4:30 a.m. Thursday, when his car collided with a tractor-trailer near the Bellevue Road exit in Leslie Township.

The driver of the truck tried to avoid Milligan's car, according to the report, but Milligan's car proceeded under the trailer and hit the rear axles.

Milligan, who owned the 254 W. Grand River Ave. establishment since 1994, was not wearing a seat belt and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident, including any possible alcohol or drug involvement, is still under investigation.

Milligan's wife, Vivian Milligan, could not be reached for comment.

Crunchy's reopened Saturday after closing Friday in honor of the late owner and will continue to be open for business, according to employees.

Milligan's absence is most apparent by the void left at the barstool where he usually sat and chatted with patrons, said people that frequent the restaurant.

"Even though Dave isn't here, people can still picture him on his barstool," Lansing resident Brad Thompson said Sunday. "He always had a positive attitude. He'd just sit up at the bar and talk to people and ask how their day was going.

"He always made sure your food was good. If not, he'd always replace it for free. Naturally, I always complained."