William Jack Crockett passed away June 20, 2018. He was born April 16, 1920, in Vestaburg, Pa., to James Furlong Crockett and Rose (Metcalfe) Crockett.
Bill was raised in Morgantown with his two siblings, Fern and Sara. He graduated from Morgantown High School as a football, basketball and baseball star. He received a football scholarship to Potomac State. In his first year of college, he received a knee injury from football, and realizing the possibility of the impending war decided to enlist in the U.S Navy on June 25, 1940.
His U.S. Navy commendations were numerous as he served as an engineer on destroyers and air craft carriers for 30 years through World War II, the Korean War and the beginning stages of the Vietnam War. He retired as a lieutenant commander, in Honolulu in 1970.
He was married to Margaret (Laws) Crockett, the love of his life, and they raised five sons, Clyde, Douglas, Keith, William and Jeffrey, in San Diego and Honolulu. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, as well as a friend to many. He had 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Bill was known for his great sense of wry humor, his love of the ocean as a sailor, sailing the local islands and the greater Pacific while a member of the Hawaii Yacht Club. He loved musical plays, movies, paddleball, good BBQ’s, attending Rainbow sports team’s games, and traveling and cruising the world with Big Marg. Visits from all his issue was a special treat. He was a long time spiritual person from his early upbringing and attended the Christ Lutheran Church in San Diego, and as well the Central Union Church in Honolulu, where Sunday services always cleansed his spirit.
Bill was predeceased by his sisters, his wife, Margaret and three sons.
He is survived by his sons, Clyde and Keith, and all grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; as well as his companion and friendin his later years, Miki Riker.
The family gives gratitude to the Lake View Senior Living staff and Hospice in Lincoln County, Ore. for their loving care in Bill’s final days.
A small family and friend celebration of life will be held at Punchbowl, in Honolulu, at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Novemeber 9, 2018.
