Bob Crocker

Robert T. Crocker, age 75 years of Niles, Michigan, husband, father, grandfather, brother, softball player, and country music fan died peacefully at 7:50 a.m. on Monday, February 27, 2023 with his wife by his side at Saint Joseph Mishawaka Medical Center following a brief illness.

He was born on September 10, 1947 in Niles to I. Rayford and Marguerite G. (Bliss) Crocker, and was graduated from Niles High School with the class of 1965.  He continued his education at Central Michigan University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in education.  He was employed in financial services for several area companies including collections, banking, and utilities before joining the – then new - Express One expediting company (now XPO Expediting Logistics).  He has lived in Niles all of his life.

Bob was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Niles Aerie #2094.  He was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post #51 in Buchanan, Michigan and the AMVETS Post #1978 in Niles.  He enjoyed traveling to Nashville, Tennessee for the music performed there, and he was always ready for a card game, euchre or poker or whatever was dealt.  As a young man, he was active in area athletics – like all the Crocker men – and continued to play on area softball leagues.

On November 8, 1980 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles he married the former Jann J. Crandall with whom he celebrated last year the Forty-second Anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Jann Crocker and children Scott Crocker and Ryan (& Maegan Crocker-Kee-cro) Crocker, both of Grand Ledge, Michigan, and Jason Bonner of Wakarusa, Indiana; grandchildren Corissa Crocker, Nicholas Crocker, and Evie Crocker-Kee-cro; and Bob’s sister, Constance Crocker of Melbourne, Florida and brother, Richard (& Carol) Crocker of Bellview, Washington; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, former Niles City Police Chief Ray and Marguerite Crocker; and by Bob’s brother, Terrance Crocker.

The family of Bob Crocker will receive relatives and friends on Friday, March 3, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles.  The visitation will be available online on the Halbritter-Wickens Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/halbritterwickensfuneralservices/ .

Contributions in memory of Bob may be made to the Niles Eagles Lodge, 34 Sycamore Street, Niles, Michigan, 49120.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Bob loved life, and 75 years seems inadequate for the big life that he lived, always sharing a smile with everyone in his path, with a special level of care for his kids and their kids, and - most of all - for Jann.