Byron A. Crocker

Byron A. Crocker July 10, 1935 – March 21, 2012 Byron A. Crocker, 76, died March 21, 2012, at Aspen Ridge Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Grand Junction, Colorado after battling Alzheimer's Disease for several years. His loving family was with him at the time of his death. He was born July 10, 1935, to Charles and Jenis Crocker in Pueblo, CO. Byron graduated from Pueblo Centennial High School in 1953, and married his best friend and soul mate, Shirley Ann Rapp, on August 13, 1954. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Ann and their three children, Nancy Hunter of Grand Junction, CO; Jon Crocker (Jeanie) of Grand Junction, CO, and Gail Mills (Tim) of Clackamas, OR; seven grandchildren, Diana Hunter, Christie Bloom (Grant), Ellie Crocker, Molly Crocker, Justin Mills (Elizabeth), Benjamin Mills and Meredith Mills. Byron was also blessed with three great-granddaughters, Samantha and Madison Mills and Lillian Bloom. Byron is also survived by his brother, Terry Crocker of Phoenix, AZ, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Shirley Wilkerson, and his nephews, Eric Wilkerson and Randy Wilkerson. Byron worked for Skaggs/Osco Drug for 33 years, during which time he and Shirley Ann lived in Pueblo, CO, Wheatridge, CO, Lakewood, CO, Fort Collins, CO, Grand Junction, CO and Missoula, MT. He mentored countless employees and made lifelong friends during his career. He retired and moved back to Grand Junction in 1992, to be near his children and grandchildren. Byron's faith in God shone in his countenance, as well as in his life. He was a member and worshipped with his family at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Grand Junction where he served actively, sharing his faith and love for Jesus Christ. Favorite pastimes for Byron included fly-fishing, golf, traveling, photography and spending time with family and friends. After retirement, he made many memorable trips with his family and friends to his beloved fishing cabin on Rock Creek in Montana. His travels also took him to New Zealand, Chile, England, Mexico and throughout most of the United States. He often attended his grandchildren's athletic, school and music events, being their greatest supporter. Byron was known by everyone who knew him as the finest family man, businessman, friend and Christian. Every relationship in his life was built on his unconditional love, faith, humor, patience, generosity and integrity. He was a big man with a big heart, and he spent his life quietly and faithfully doing the right thing every day. The world is a better place because Byron Crocker was in it. He will be greatly missed. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, March 28, 2012, at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 3888 27 1/2 Road, Grand Junction at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Byron Crocker's name to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, 3090B N. 12th Street, Grand Junction, Colorado 81506 or to the Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011, 800-272-3900. We would like to express our unending gratitude to the amazing staff and volunteers of Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado and to the entire staff at Aspen Ridge Alzheimer's Special Care Center for caring for Byron and our entire family with dignity, professionalism and compassion during his final months.