Obituary: John Merritt Crocker

John Merritt Crocker, 78, a resident of Winnetka, died Sunday, Nov. 30 in Evanston Hospital.

Mr. Crocker was born Jan. 28, 1925 in Hartford, Conn. and grew up in St. Louis. He graduated from New Trier High School in 1943 and after graduation, became a pilot in the Air Force. He graduated with honors in mechanical engineering from Purdue University and used his engineering background throughout his career in manufacturing and sales.

Previously of Northbrook and Northfield, Mr. Crocker retired in his late 60s. He was the editor of the New Trier High School yearbook and organized class reunions throughout his life, including his 60th class reunion this past September. He served as an election judge in Northfield and spent retirement time in Ft. Myers, Fla. where he was a member of the Caloosa Yacht and Racquet Club in Ft. Meyers and the Quail Ridge Country Club in Boynton Beach, Fla. He was also a member of the Kenilworth Club and the Skokie Country Club. He enjoyed meticulously mapping out travel by car across the United States.

Survivors include his wife, Edrita Ford Crocker of Winnetka; his son, John Merritt (Polly R. Hawkins) Crocker, Jr. of Evanston; his daughter, Patsy Beglen Crocker of Green Bay, Wis.; his stepdaughters, Edrita "Muffin" Braun, Virginia "Ginger" (Donn) Mensinga, and Ford S. Braun; his grandchildren, Nathaniel Hawkins Crocker, Adelaide Lorimar Crocker and George Merritt Crocker; step-grandchildren, Christine "Christy" Braun, Christopher and Kimberly Messinga, and Ford S. Braun, II.

He is predeceased by his first wife, Claire Beglen Crocker; and his sister, Jane Crocker Taylor.

A memorial service was be held Saturday, Dec. 13 at the First Congregational Church of Evanston Chapel. Interment was private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, 2650 Ridge Ave., Evanston IL 60201 for use by Evanston Hospital cancer research; or Kenilworth Union Church, 211 Kenilworth Ave, Kenilworth IL 60043.