Wayne Dallas Crocker Jr.

Wayne Dallas Crocker, Jr. was born May 12, 1952, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to Wayne Crocker, Sr. and Phyllis Swann. He was the second of five children.

Wayne’s parents moved shortly after his birth to Sacramento, California, where he grew up. Unfortunately, Wayne did not have an ideal childhood. His parents divorced when he was about seven years old. His father remarried to a woman who did not want the children and treated them harshly. At the age of 16, Wayne left home seeking a better life. He finished high school and, with determination and the help of adult friends, obtained jobs to support himself. He later obtained his associate’s degree.

Wayne joined the United States Air Force, serving 4 ½ years stationed in England. When he was discharged, he returned to Sacramento and once again obtained employment working in a few various jobs until he was hired as an airplane mechanic at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento. When the base closed, Wayne was transferred to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, retiring in 2010.

When Wayne moved to Oklahoma, he had a home built on five acres in Newalla. The home and property were a dream come true for him. He worked diligently to improve and beautify the property he loved.

In 2009, Wayne met Shirley, and they married on September 7, 2010. They traveled extensively during the time they were married, visiting a great many national and state parks, historical sites, and enjoying Disney World several times with their son and grandchildren. They visited most of the U.S. states, including Alaska and Hawaii. During that time, Wayne learned to be a very good photographer. He loved nature and wildlife, and he felt privileged and blessed to have the opportunity to experience seeing them.

At various times, Wayne enjoyed taking care of horses, a donkey, goats, ducks, chickens, parrots, deer, and cats; but his love was dogs. Over the years, he had various breeds, including his favorites: Striker, Baron, Saber, Jake, and Shadow.

Wayne was a tall, handsome man with blue-gray hair and a full mustache. He was a man’s man who embraced his responsibility of caring for his wife, family, and home. He was talented and could do almost anything with his hands that he chose to do. He demonstrated determination in completing those tasks. He was not perfect; he was sometimes stubborn and was a perfectionist, almost to a fault.

Wayne loved the holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas. He enjoyed decorating the house and yard in celebration.

Wayne cherished his family and friends. He was an adoring grandfather and loving husband. He made friends quickly with his pleasant conversation and good humor. He was kind and considerate of others. He was always willing to help.

Wayne was a Christian having been baptized at an early age. He had a personal relationship with God, praying daily and thanking Him for his many blessings.

In his last days, Wayne was in excruciating pain, but his last thoughts were of concern for Shirley. He passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of the home; grandsons, Michael Ryan Degarmo and wife, Amber, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Caden Degarmo of Mustang, Oklahoma; great-granddaughter, Madilyn Degarmo and great-grandson, Ryan Degarmo of Colorado Springs, Colorado; sister, Barbara Turner and husband, Homer, of Sumner, Texas; half-sister, Lori Vaughn and husband, Tim, of Sulphur Springs, Texas; and numerous other family and friends.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Crocker, Sr. and mother, Phyllis Weir; sister, Joyce Petrotta; and stepson, Michael Degarmo.

Wayne was deeply loved and highly respected. He will be deeply missed, and his memory will be always in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, 2:00 p.m., at AE Funeral Services Chapel, 603 W. Independence St., Shawnee, Oklahoma 74804.