Bethany, MO: Billy Joe Crocker, 71, of Bethany, Missouri passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at North Kansas City Hospital.
He was born on June 10, 1952 in Fort Campbell, Kentucky to James Crocker and Ruth F. Bechel. Following high school Billy went on to obtain an associate’s degree Linn State Technical College. On October 11, 1997, Billy was united in marriage to Kim Hutchison and she survives at their home. Billy was a teamsters union truck driver and worked for Yellow Freight until his retirement in 2015. Throughout the years Billy enjoyed horseback riding, camping in the mountains, working on the farm with the cows, attending auctions, spending time outdoors, visiting coffee shops, telling stories and visiting with friends, and above all else he loved spending time with his grandkids and his family.
In addition to his wife Kim Crocker, Billy is survived by his mother Ruth F. Bechel; eight children: Billy “Jody” Crocker Jr. (Mary Lou), Les Crocker (Sarah), Amy Bush (Colin), J.B. Winnegar, Brandon Huff (Shelly), Kevin Salmons (Darcy), Conan Salmons (Sam), and Ruthie Crocker; 19 grandchildren: Robyn, Emily, Olivia Grace, Natalie, Jaylen, Cassidy, Kylie, Kaden, Braden, Colten, Taylor, Jackie, Fletcher, Carter, Kimmie Jo, Jordan, Chloe, and Scott; three great grandchildren: Caysen, Thomas and Oliver; 9 siblings: Jim Crocker (Dolores), Larry Crocker (Margie), Linda Crocker, Gail Hannaford (David), Mike Crocker (Cathy), Patty Bates (Darrel), Brenda Crocker, Bobby Crocker, and Candy McQuiston (Bryan); dear friends Greg Trowbridge, Fred Trowbridge, Anne Trowbridge and Leroy Trowbridge; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and a host of many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father James Crocker; his step father Robert Bechel; 5 siblings: Jackie Trowbridge, Tammy Crocker, Randy Crocker, Sherri “Doodle” Lamb, and Terry Crocker; one grandson Uriah Moad; and one nephew Jamie Crocker.
Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at Slater Millard Family Funeral Chapel 540 South Summit Drive, Holts Summit, MO 65043. The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at Slater Millard Family Funeral Chapel, followed by the burial at Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery in New Bloomfield, Missouri.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the St. Jude’s Children Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
A celebration of life for Billy will occur at a later date in Bethany, Missouri for friends and family that are unable to attend the visitation and funeral. Arrangements are under the direction of SLATER-MILLARD Family Funeral Chapel, 540 South Summit Drive; Holts Summit, MO 65043. (573) 896-5959. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com