Walter William Crocker, affectionately known as Walt, passed away on January 21, 2024, at the age of 85 at Reid Hospital in Richmond Indiana. Walt grew up in Richmond, and as a boy, he loved to roam the fields and streams near his home, where he could hunt, fish, and traverse the railroad tracks. Later in life, he enjoyed hunting and spending time in the woods at his farm in Union County.

Walt served 2 years in the US Army as an armor crewman. Following his service, he returned to Richmond where he was employed at NATCO Tool & Die as a Welding Gas Cutter and Material Layout Man/Torch Operator. During his 26 years at NATCO, he had several opportunities to move into an engineering position, but he chose to stick with hands-on work in the shop.
Walt was a true Renaissance man, good at many things. He had the mind of an engineer; able to visualize and bring a concept to life. He saw things in multiple dimensions and could illustrate his visualizations, even being able to draw something upside down so you could see it as he drew it.

He was a preservationist, extending the life of many things where others would have seen no hope of salvage. His talent for building and repairing things saved many items from a dubious end in a landfill. Often, he would find just the part needed to make something new again, or he would design and create the needed part himself.

Walt was a talented gunsmith, building more than 13 muzzle-loading shotguns and several rifles which he carved and engraved with beautiful scrollwork. He was also an excellent marksman and won many trap shooting awards.

Walt was self-taught in most things, including guitar, on which he enjoyed finger-picking Carolina Blues. His doodles and calligraphy are pieces of art, worthy of framing. He was a true artist. He also had a mischievous sense of humor.

Survivors include His Life Partner for 34 years – Elizabeth (Liz) Craig of Richmond IN and her children Bob Craig of Glendale California and Heather Craig of Bloomington IN, nephews and nieces, Gene Hartmann (Carmen Wilson) and Kurt (Vicki) Hartmann, Brenda (Jeff) Anderson and Cindy (Mark) McCollum, as well as many great nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents - Charles H. and Thelma McClain Crocker, siblings - Phillip G. Hartmann and Lois Ann Hartmann, Nephew - Mark Aaron Bane, and kindred spirits – Mary Lou Thomas and Judy Metzger

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in Walt's memory may be made to the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank the staff at Reid Hospital whose care and compassion were greatly appreciated. Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Home is handling services. Online condolences may be shared with the family via the guest book at stegallberheideorr.com.