William ‘Bill’ Harry Crocker
William “Bill” Harry Crocker passed away peacefully on August 2, 2022, at his residence surrounded by his loving family at the age of 95 years, 7 months and 12 days.
Bill was born December 20, 1926, on the family farm in Goodwater, Mo., to the late Wilbur and Beulah (Huitt) Crocker. After the passing of his mother at age nine, Wilber later married Blanche (Brooks) Crocker. Bill was baptized in 1946 at the Church of Christ in Goodwater, Mo.
Bill was united in marriage to Georgia Belle Lambert on October 25, 1953, they were married for thirty years and to this union five children were born: Brenda (William) Wilson of Arcadia, Mo., Brent (Michele) Crocker of Farmington, Mo., Tim Crocker (Sharon Black) of Helen, Georgia, Mary Crocker of Ironton, Mo., and Greg Crocker (Angie Kennon) of Bonne Terre, Mo.
On April 24, 1993, Bill was united in marriage to Shirley Brooks for 22 years before her passing in February of 2016. Bill is also survived by his stepchildren; Karen (Rick) Goble of Park Hills, Mo., Alan (Ellen) Brooks of Bismarck, Mo., and Lori (Scott) Griffiths of Bismarck, Mo.
In addition, Bill is survived by three sisters; Betty Davis of Independence, Mo., Mary Lee Crocker-Pryor of Farmington, Mo., and Martha (Jim) Morgan of Carrollton, Texas, 12 grandchildren; Bill (Kelly Jo) Wilson Jr., Morgan (Sean) Crocker-Witt, Gabe Crocker, Megan (Eric) Kluempers, Candice (Dan) Hiestand, Clayton (Stephanie) Wilson, Leslie Pearson, Ross Crocker, Halie (Mike) Pazdera, Lauren (Steve) Maloney, Austin Crocker and Connor Crocker. 18 great-grandchildren; Raven, Jayla, Dane, Garrett, Logan, Jocelyn, Avery, Riley, Abby, Nash, Georgia, Jax, Layne, Owen, Kash, Mason, Mackenzie and Mariah, one great- great granddaughter, Rayley and we can’t forget his most trusted best friend and loyal hunting companion Kate.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, Wilbur Crocker, his mother, Beulah Crocker, his stepmother Blanche Crocker, wife Shirley Crocker and his two sisters: Corrine LaRue and infant sister Cleo Crocker.
Bill was a foreman for the Missouri State Highway Department before retiring in 1989 after 33 years of service, a founding member of A.V. Coon Club, former president and lifetime member of Arcadia Valley Eagles, lifetime member of the Arcadia Valley Elks Lodge, member of the Iron County Historical Society, a supporter of the Graniteville Community Center, former board member of the Belleview School District for 6 years and served his country in the United States Army in World War II.
Bill was an avid coon hunter and has shared his love of coon hunting with many generations over the years. He was also one of the best historians for not only Iron County but also for surrounding counties. He enjoyed dancing, reading, and spending time with friends over a good cup of coffee. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a loving and devoted brother, father and grandfather. Bill was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
Funeral Services were held on Sunday, Aug. 7, at Bryson Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Brad Crocker officiating.
Visitation on Saturday, Aug. 6, at Bryson Funeral Home.
Interment in Sam Crocker Cemetery in Goodwater, Mo., with Pastor Don Akers officiating.
Memorials may be made in Bill’s honor to Sam Crocker Cemetery; 295 Hwy Z, Belleview, Mo., 63623.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brysonfuneralhome.com for the Crocker family.
