James Glen Croker
February 28, 1934 ~ August 23, 2011
James "Glen" Croker, 77, of Lake Charles died Tuesday, August 23, 2011 in a local healthcare facility.
Mr. Croker was a lifelong resident of Lake Charles and a graduate of LaGrange Senior High School. He served the United States Army. He worked as an Outside Sales Representative, many years for Hebert Lumber Company, having retired after fifteen years with Cintas. During his younger years, Mr. Croker was active in coaching Lake Charles Little League and also enjoyed fishing.
"Glen" was most commonly known as one of the "Hackberry Ramblers", a Grammy Award nominated Cajun music band, for which he played Lead and Steel Guitar and was Lead Vocalist. "They played everything from local dance halls and nursing homes to music festivals through out the United States. Recognized by the Hall of Fame, The Hackberry Ramblers received countless awards throughout the years". They said what kept them going was the same thing that kept audiences coming, the music, "They enjoyed hearing it and we enjoyed playing it for them". Mr. Croker once said, "The Ramblers will continue recording and touring as long as God lets them", and so they did. As for his love of music, he took it with him.
He leaves to honor his memory, his loving wife of twenty- seven years, "Nell" Fruge Croker of Lake Charles; five children, Mike Croker of Clear Water, FL, Paula Smythe and husband Dr. Marck Smythe of Big Lake, Geri Prince and husband Raymond of Longview, TX, Mary- Beth "Charlee" Walling and husband Ted of Vidor, TX and James G. "Chip" Croker II of Lake Charles; four step- children, Victor Vaughn and wife Loretta of Baton Rouge, Vicki and Valerie Vaughn, both of Lake Charles and Vince Vaughn and wife Renay of Westlake; ten grandchildren; sixteen great- grandchildren; four step- grandchildren; seven step- great grandchildren and one sister, Delores Croker of Lake Charles.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arvey Crocker and Pauletta Hollier Duhon.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM Thursday, August 25, 2011 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Father Alan Trouille will officiate. Interment will follow in Consolata Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday will be from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary beginning at 6:00 PM. Visitation Thursday will be from 8:00 AM until the time of service in the funeral home.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.
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Dear Mike, Mary Beth and Chip,I am presently out of town and not able to pay my respects. My condolences go out to each one of you and your family. You and your family will be kept in our prayers. Friends always,Blain Crochet Family
Dear Nell and Family,You and the family will be in our prayers. I enjoyed the many good times Glen and I shared when we worked together. He always had a kind word for me and made me laugh. I remember one time in particular when he called and said our General Manager told him he could not wear his boots and cowboy hat to work and I told him to wear his dress shoes in the office and change to his boots and hat when he hit the road. He laughed and said I can't believe I didn't think of that! On another occasion we called on a man who was totally ignoring our sales presentation and Glen began to speak lower and lower until he was almost in a whisper. The guy was actually leaning across his desk to hear Glen and I was almost laughing by the time we left. Glen said, he probably will never do any business with us but at least I taught him to listen! On another occasion we were calling on Fort Polk and as we drove inside I kept seeing these signs that read no POV's allowed After seeing this a few times I said Glen what does that mean and he chuckled and said no privately owned vehicles but I don't own this car so I go anywhere I need to go. I know this will be a difficult time in the weeks and months ahead but we will always treasure the times we had with this man who truly had a passion for life. Again, our prayers are with you all.Rod Jackson
I remember Glen as a happy-go-lucky young person during high school days. I am glad I communicated with him a few years ago after seeing him on TV with the Hackberry Ramblers. My sincerest condolences to the family.
mike, my prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family. your dad was a great guy!
Paula, Geri, Mary Beth and Chip I want to tell y'all how sorry I am to hear about your dad. You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sad to hear this bad news. Mr. Glen was one cool dude. He and the Ramblers Christmas parties were legendary. Though we will all miss him terribly, I know the party is really getting started no that he's up there.
So sorry for your loss Mike and Paula. Keep the great memories of him. He was a character, as I remember. Sorry I can't be there.
To my dear friend Paula and all the Croker family , i spent many nights at the Croker home and have many fond memories there , the memories I have of Mr. Glen and my Daddy playing music is something I cherish very much. My Daddy also played Cajun Music all of his life and the music was a passion for them , he always said Mr. Glen Croker was the Best steel guitar he had ever seen , he will be missed , my family and I will keep all of you in our prayers..God Bless , Jackie Broussard-Blanchard