Katherine Carey Crocker, a “Gold Star Mom”, passed from this life on September 24, 2022, to meet Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior. She was 93 years old. Funeral services are being held at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, Texas. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with service to follow at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 1, 2022. Pastor Shane Weaver, pastor of Orange First Church of the Nazarene will officiate.

Proceeded in death, and now reunited, her husband, Evans B. Crocker; son, Evans B. Crocker, Jr. (EB) who was KIA in Vietnam in 1968 while serving his country; her parents, Walter and Fay Carey, and her sister and brother-in-law, Lorene and Ray Camp.

Those left to cherish her memory and unfailing faith are her son and daughter-in-law, Eugene and Jeanette Crocker of Orange, Texas; grandchildren of whom she cherished, Angela Crocker of Spring, Texas; James and Patty Crocker of Orange, Texas; Jeremy and Lucy Crocker of Asheville, North Carolina; her great-grandchildren, Jackson and Emily Crocker of Orange, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Those serving as pallbearers will be James Crocker, Jeremy Crocker, John Camp, Richard Harris, Ron Emmert, and Ron Griggs. Honorary pallbearer will be Bill Bradley.

Katherine was born on March 14, 1929, in Foreman Arkansas. Her family moved to Rodessa, Louisiana when she was very young. In those days, every family did what they needed to do to make a living, so as a new opportunity opened for her Dad, the family moved to Orange. Katherine stayed to finish high school while living with her grandparents, aunts and uncle. After completion of high school, she moved to Orange.

Shortly after moving to Orange, she began working at Weingartens, where she met her future father-in-law, Ira Crocker. Katherine made such as impression on him that he brought his son, who had just completed his tour with the navy, to meet her. Obviously, whatever Ira saw in Katherine, Evans did as well. They had a short courtship and eloped on July 4, 1946. They were married 66 years until Evans passing in 2012.

Katherine was a devoted mother, always wanting the best for her family. In May 1968, Katherine and Evans lost their first son, EB, to the war in Vietnam. It was a very traumatic event in the life of this family. But as Katherine always did, she had her faith to guide her through.

Katherine was a homemaker and enjoyed taking care of her family. After the family was grown, she wanted something more to do. She became an Avon representative for over 20 years and enjoyed visiting with her clients regularly.

Katherine and Evans traveled after retirement. They pulled their travel trailer to many different places, enjoying their time together. They always made sure to have time for annual fishing and hunting trips. Katherine loved to fish and did so until her body would no longer allow her.

Today, Katherine has met Evans on the front porch that God prepared for them. We know this because Jesus said ‘I go to prepare a place for you that where I am, you may be also.” Evans told her before his passing “I’ll be waiting for you on the front porch”.

It’s hard to sum up the life of someone as dear and loving as mom in just a few words. Today is the greatest day of her life… to see Jesus face to face, be reunited with her loved ones, without the aches and pains that have slowed her down these last years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Veterans Heritage Memorial at First Church of the Nazarene 3810 MLK Dr. Orange, TX 77632.