James Glen Croker

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.