Michael Bernard "Rocky" Crowley

CREVE COEUR ~ Michael Bernard “Rocky” Crowley, 78, of Creve Coeur, passed away at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, with his wife Jane and daughter Christy at his side.

Born November 13, 1941 in Peoria, IL and adopted in Pinckneyville, IL by Bernard and Clyda (Balser) Crowley, he married Jane Smith Walters on March 31, 1972 in Peoria. She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Cynthia Babcock of North Fort Myers, Florida; three step-children, John Walters of Sulphur, Oklahoma, William (Glory) Walters of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Christianna (Dennis) Weber of Edwards, Illinois. Additionally, he is survived by 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, who brought additional quality to his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Carol Wyman; two grandsons, Charles Hansen and D.J. Wyman; one step-granddaughter, Danielle Weber; and one brother, Patrick Crowley.

Michael was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving as a Lance Corporal on amphibious vehicles during the Cuban Blockade.

“Baron Rocky” was a 40-year member of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). While it was a non-profit educational organization dedicated to re-creation and study of the Middle Ages, the friends he made there became his huge extended family. He taught many how to swing a sword and raise a toast. His armor repairs were as legendary among the fighting community as his honor was among the masses. To his wife and daughters, he was the essence of a knight in shining armor.

He enjoyed making and sharing mead, woodworking in his shop, and building armor. He was never without a project. In his younger days, he spent time working in the pit area at Peoria Speedway, and for many years coached girls basketball and JFL. With Jane and Christy, he ran the concession stand at ICC women's basketball games. He loved to see kids be successful. He also volunteered at Jubilee College State Park. Mike and Jane were married 48 wonderful devoted years, and spent the last 20 years traveling the world together. Two very special trips were to Ireland and Italy.

Rocky will be most remembered for his smile and laughter, giant heart, bravery, generosity, and friendliness. If only we could all “be like Rocky when I grow up”, the world would be a most noble place.

His memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur. Dr. Duane Roach will officiate. Mask are required at the family's request. Military rites will be provided by the United States Marine Corp and the Tazewell Military Rites Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to the United Service Organization (USO), P.O. Box 96860, Washington D.C. 20077-7677 or online at https://www.uso.org/donate/donate-in-honor

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com