Alan Crocker, 85

Alan T. Crocker, age 85, of Mendon, passed away at his home on Friday, November 15, 2024 surrounded by his loving family after battling a lengthy illness. He was born in Plymouth, IN on May 7, 1939 the son of Fred and Gladys (Ecker) Crocker. In March of 1963, Alan married the love of his life, Peg Boltres in East Canton, OH.

Alan was a busy man who was involved in MANY projects. He worked in Elkhart as an engineer making nylon products, continued his career at Eckco Plastics, and showed off his skills at Campro in Geauga, OH. Alan then decided to make a change, where he became a vital part in the plastics movement in Mendon. He worked at Research Blow Molding before starting his own company, Crocker Limited. In the off chance he had some spare time, Alan loved giving back to his community and helping any way possible. He was a crucial member of the Mendon Kiwanis Club, Future Farmers, and 4-H. Some of his special achievements to note:  Winning the Forester of the Year award for planting MANY trees around the Mendon area. He would often drive around with his family and point out the trees that he hand-planted and was so excited to see how they have grown. Alan was famously known as the Popcorn Man in the yearly Kiwanis Showboat, were he relished spilling popcorn on everyone within radius of him, all the while having toilet paper stuck to his shoe. Alan was the President of the Mendon School Board, and was a key part of building the new high school, which still stands strong today. He was a master tinkerer, always working on odd projects, showing off his skills he learned at the “Acme School of Engineering”. His sense of humor was legendary, because it was never on pause, and loved teasing anyone who was in earshot of him. He loved his little town, loved his community, but most of all, Alan loved his family.

Alan is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Peg Crocker of Mendon; four children; Lincoln (Shayne) Crocker of Portage, Ted (Lori) Crocker of Three Rivers, Jackie (Dennis) Anweiler of Kouts, and Linda Klepper of Mendon; eighteen grandchildren; Raina, Azriel, Noah, Elijah, Ashley, Crystal, Kelsey, Casey, Courtney, Jake, Carolotta, Gabriel, Nate, Truitt, Tong Mei, Japheth, Luke, Lola; fifteen great grandchildren; Alan was preceded in death by his daughter, Keri Bringman; two sisters; Martha Griswold and Mary Young.

Visitation for Alan will take place on Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm at the Eickhoff Funeral Home (311 W. Main Street, Mendon, MI 49072). A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024 at 11am at the Mendon United Methodist Church (320 W. Main Street, Mendon, MI 49072) with Pastor Carl Litchfield officiating. Following the service, cremation will be conducted. It is suggested that memorials made in Alan’s name be made to Mendon United Methodist Church or the Heifer Project. Condolences and memories may be expressed to Alan’s family at eickhofffuneralhome.com