Charles Ernest Crocker, Sr., 89, of Augusta, passed away peacefully at the Togus Veterans Hospital on July 6 after a long illness.
Mr. Crocker was born in Bristol on Nov. 21, 1918 to John and Marguerite Lessner Crocker.
Mr. Crocker entered the Army on May 5, 1942. He completed his basic training in Fort Knox, Ky. where he was trained as an automotive mechanic. He was deployed to Europe during WWII and was a member of the 3rd Armored Division of the U.S. Army. Charlie was very proud of his service to the United States and was often seen wearing his shirt and DAV cap with his ribbons and awards displayed. He was honorably discharged Dec. 15, 1944. He was honored to receive the Bronze Star; Theater Ribbon; and a Purple Heart for wounds suffered in Normandy.
After his discharge, he returned to Maine where he was employed as a carpenter and ship builder until he became disabled. He particularly enjoyed quiet evenings of card playing at home with his wife. In earlier years, he enjoyed Beano, golfing, fishing, hunting and horseracing.
Mr. Crocker was a proud member of the Disabled American Veterans and AARP.
Charlie loved all children&his face would light up at the presence of babies and little ones while attending family functions. Charlie and Pauline enjoyed many things together including dining out, and going to local fairs and yard sales.
Mr. Crocker was predeceased by his brother, Edward Crocker of Waldoboro; three sisters, Edna Weaver of Damariscotta, Florence Cossett of Wiscasset and Hazel Herald of Damariscotta; and one stepson, Dennis St. Pierre of Augusta.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years, Pauline B. (St. Pierre) Crocker; brother, Chester Crocker of Wiscasset; five children, Elwyn Crocker and wife Doreen of Winthrop, Charles E. Crocker, Jr. and companion Deborah of Brunswick, Sharon Leighton and husband John of Washington, Gloria Dumphy of Thomaston, and Charlotte Wright of Augusta; step-children, Joyce M. Sirois and husband Wilfred of Scarborough, Robert B. St. Pierre and wife April of Augusta, and Brenda A. Gross and husband Ronald of Chelsea; nine grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; ten step-grandchildren, and 11 step-great-grandchildren.
Friends are invited to be with the family 6-8 p.m., Wed., July 9 at the Strong Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. Service to honor Charles 10 a.m., Thurs., July 10 at the Funeral Home, with Pastor Rick Newell officiating. He will be laid to rest, with Military Honors, at the Lessner Family Cemetery, Damariscotta.
