Gary Crocker

August 8, 1933 - September 10, 2021

Gary Z. Crocker, 88, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away Friday, September 10, 2021, at the Brewster Place Health Center. Gary was born in Topeka on August 8, 1933, the son of Frank and Mildred (Johnston) Crocker. In Gary's younger years he went to Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Missouri and Kemper Military Academy in Booneville, Missouri, each for two years. Gary was a 1952 graduate of Topeka High School, and then a 1956 graduate of The University of Denver in Denver, Colorado, with a Business Degree. Gary enlisted in the Army and was on active duty for two years on both the east and west coasts. He then served in the Kansas Army Reserves for 10 more years and finished his career in the military with the rank of Major. Following active duty, Gary went to work for his father at Crocker Enterprises, taking over as head of the company in 1974 after his father retired. In 1988, when Crocker Enterprises sold to a large land developer, Gary retired and bought a hobby farm in Soldier, Kansas, spending many days working and having fun doing so. Gary enjoyed traveling the world and was able to experience most of it. While traveling he collected local art and displayed the beautiful pieces in his home to remind him of his journeys. Gary is survived by his sister, Bonnie Kay Howard and her husband, Warren, of Topeka; two nephews, Trevor Howard and his wife Lori, and their children Blair and Evan of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Shannon Howard and his wife Kristy, and their children Joshuah (Tampa, FL), Madelaine (Lancaster, CA), and Grace of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The family thanks the Doctors, Nurses and Staff at St. Francis Hospital, Stormont Vail Hospital, Brewster Place and Midland Care Hospice, for taking such good care of Gary during this trying time. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, September 17, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care Hospice or Brewster Place and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.