Ernie Crocker

Ernie Crocker, beloved patriarch to his family, died Sunday, April 18, 2021, at the Haven of Lakeside in Lakeside, Arizona. He was 83 years old. Ernie was born on Tuesday, August 17, 1937, in Whiteriver, Arizona to his parents, the late Joseph and Ellen (Ethelbah) Crocker.

As a young man, Ernie had a horse named "Captain."  It was Captain who caught the eye of a young lady named Dorinda Tessay.  She fell in love with Captain and later, fell in love with Captain's owner, Ernie.  The two were married on March 16, 1960, in Whiteriver, Arizona and their marriage was later solemnized in the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His family rejoice in knowing that "Families Are Forever."  

Throughout his working career, Ernie worked for the Fort Apache Timber Company, retiring as a lumber grader.  He was a man of great faith and was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Daily, he expressed his love for the Savior through his countless Christlike actions to his fellowman.  He loved to play the harmonica and shared many a tune with whomever would listen.  He played his harmonica at the countless funerals of family members and friends through the years.

Ernie Crocker is survived by his children: Leon Crocker, Janet Crocker, Eileen Ellen Crocker all of Whiteriver, AZ; sisters: Delores Alchesay of Whiteriver, AZ, Judy Dazen of Globe, Arizona; 25 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.  Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorinda Crocker in April of 2012; a son, Anthony Crocker, Sr. in December of 2009; and daughter, Vicki Suttle in April of 2020.

The public visitation and viewing will be from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Monday, April 26, 2021, at Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low, Arizona.  Additional visitation and viewing will be from 9:00 A.M. to 12:45 P.M. at the Fort Apache Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fort Apache, Arizona.