Larry Wayne Crocker

AZ, passed away March 31, 2024.Larry was born September 5, 1953 at Fort Campbell, KY, a son of James A. and Ruth (Fletcher) Crocker. Early in Larry’s life he lived with his maternal grandparents, Walter and Lil Fletcher. As a teenager he was welcomed into the lives of Charles B. and Doris Smith, and he became part of their family. Larry loved the Smiths, and considered “Smitty” and Doris to be his foster parents and their children his siblings.

On October 27, 1973 Larry was united in marriage to Margye Ann (Lingo), and they shared 50 years together. They were blessed with two spirited daughters, Melissa Wilkinson (Craig) and Melanie Frisbie (Steve), and five grandchildren of whom he was very fond and very proud of, Elizabeth (Jack), Emma, Samantha, Taylor and Max.

Larry was a proud 1971 graduate of Jefferson City High School (JCHS) and dedicated many years to being on JCHS’s football chain gang. Larry played a significant role in the development and operation of the American Legion Post 5 softball and baseball complex in Jefferson City.

Larry’s career as an over the road truck driver fed his love for travel andadventure. His travels would take

him to the Capitals of all 50 states, and 3 countries. Larry retained the knowledge of every backroad, two-lane highway and interstate contained in an Atlas. He loved to share his "how to get there from

here” with anyone who needed directions (and some that didn’t).

Larry was ornery, opinionated, and fiercely independent, and had no problem telling it like it is, but to know Larry was to love him. He was able to talk to anyone about anything, often at great lengths. He loved building things and freely gave assistance to anyone in need of his skills. Later in life this turned into the role of a supervisor: He always had a “plan”. He loved history, geography, old westerns, sports,

politics, sprint car races and riding his side-by-side “buggy” thru the desert.

Larry was a medical marvel, having had “too many” of his joints replaced, he was the definition of a million dollar man, and he had the scars to prove it. Despite his numerous health issues, Larry lived life the way he wanted, on his terms.

Per Larry’s explicit demand, there will be no formal visitation or funeral. Larry will be cremated and his remains scattered throughout the United States in places that were meaningful to him.

A party will be held May 9 from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Wardsville Lions Club to tell stories, share memories, shed tears and celebrate his life. Condolences can be sent to the family at 92 Silver Creek Ln, Eldon MO 65026. Contributions should be made to the charity of the donor's choice, or used to drink a beer in his

memory.

Arrangements are under the direction of Palm Mortuary, Henderson, Nevada.