Steven James Crocker, 64, of Shady Shores Drive, Niles, Mich., died on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013 at his home unexpectedly, but of natural causes.  He was born in Niles, Michigan to James Dillard & Dorothy Louise (Beck) Crocker.

Steven graduated from Niles High School in 1967 and attended Southwestern Michigan College, where he ran track.  He was a Veteran of the Viet Nam Era, serving in the United States Marine Corps.  Steven was a year-round athlete and coached local baseball teams for several years.  He was a member of NHRA and former member of Saint Mark Catholic Church in Niles.

Survivors include daughter Stephanie (& Ryan) Lanning of Indianapolis, three sons; Corey Crocker and Andy Crocker, both of Dowagiac, Todd Crocker of Niles, seven grandchildren; Alyssa, Kelsey, Breah, Izzy, Drew, Brooke and Hunter.  Steven is also survived by his father J. Dillard “Moose” Crocker of Niles, stepdaughter Denise (& Jim) Connell, sister Julie Ann Crocker of Niles, brother Bryan (& Dorothy) Crocker of Angola, Ind., and girlfriend Dana Marrs of Niles.

He was preceded in death by his mother, sister Linda Kilbourn and stepson Steven Lakes.

Funeral services for Steven James Crocker will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles with Rev. Thomas King, C.S.C. of Saint Mark Church, Niles officiating.  Interment will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens and will conclude with Full Military Honors by the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard, and American Legion Post #51 of Buchanan.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013 at the funeral home.

Donations in memory of Steven may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

The Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, is assisting with arrangements.