Kenneth Collins Marsh Crocker, 62, of Winlock, passed away Sunday, July 14, 2013. He was doing what he loved, working with his cattle, when he passed away instantly of a heart attack.
He was born to Robert and Ethel Crocker on Sept. 16, 1950 in Alberta, Canada. They soon moved to Everett, Wash., where he grew up. He was an Eagle Scout and graduated from Everett High School in June 1968. He then received a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Education from Washington State University in 1974, where he was a member of the Theta Xi Fraternity.
He married the love of his life, Roxanne Adsero, on April 13, 1983. They have resided together in Winlock all of their thirty-year marriage. His son, Kevin was born in 1985. As a family of three, they have been inseparable since that day.
After college, he filled his summers logging. Soon he was ready for a new adventure and he opened up Crock’s Restaurant along with three Casey Pizza Mills in Centralia, Chehalis, and Kelso. He was an extraordinary cook. His passion for farming soon became his full time love. Working on the farm with Kevin was his idea of a perfect day. He was a known chicken farmer, but also raised cattle, Tilapia, and hay. He was a multi-gifted, talented entrepreneur. He found joy in making things work from scratch.
His farming activities were not limited to his properties. He could be found on any number of acres up the I-5 corridor helping a local farmer or his brothers in any way he could. Ken was quick to solve problems for the local farming community and enjoyed watching his colleagues flourish.
He didn’t just live in Winlock. Ken was a community-oriented person and served many years as a councilman, followed by two terms as the Mayor of Winlock. It fulfilled him to serve the people of his community and do the right thing. Ken was an active member of the Lewis County Conservation Board and past member of the Farm Bureau.
Along with working on his farm, Ken was an avid fisherman and enjoyed time at sea crabbing. He was a member of the Westport Crabbers Association. His beach house was the family getaway. He loved traveling to Alaska with his family to fish as much as they could.
Family meant everything to Ken. He and Roxanne have twenty years of dedication to their church, Valley of Blessings. Together they have gone on multiple cruises. Ken loved to vacation in Mexico with his wife and was looking forward to his upcoming scheduled trip. He enjoyed entertaining guests and family in his home. His new role as a grandfather was the greatest highlight of his life.
Ken was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel Crocker and, his sister-in-law, Dawn Adsero.
Ken is survived by his wife of thirty years, Roxanne Crocker; his son, Kevin and Kelsey (Knudsvig) Crocker; two granddaughters, Lillian Joy (22 months) and Olivia Anne (6 months) Crocker; his father, Robert Crocker; his siblings, RC and Laju Crocker, William “Dan” and Jeannie Crocker, Kathy (Crocker) and Carl Pearson, James “Rod” and Theda Crocker; sisters-in-law, Lin and Jerry Harwood, Terri and Don Gonia and Mary Adsero; five nephews; seven nieces; and six great-nieces and nephews. He loved them all so much.
His service is Saturday, July 20, 2013 at 2:00 P.M., at the Valley of Blessings Church, 243 U.S. Hwy 12, Chehalis. Flowers and donations may be sent to the Church.
