Crockett, David Leroy 1936-2018

CROCKETT, WAALKES

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:32

Source: Siouxland Press issue of 14 March 2018.

"Firefighter"

David Leroy Crockett was born April 11, 1936 at Elkton, South Dakota. His parents David A. and Marie (Waalkes) Crockett moved to Alton, Iowa when David was an infant. While in Alton a sister Patricia was born and the four resided there until 1942 when the family moved to California in support of the WW II effort.

Returning to Alton following the end of the war the children once again joined Alton Public School where David graduated in 1955. He attended Northwestern College for one year following which he chose to join the armed forces. David served in the US Air Force for 10 years; 4 years active and 6 years in the reserves. Stationed in West Palm Beach, Florida at the time of discharge David began a career in firefighting. As his career and training expanded he went on to be the Fire Chief of Palm Beach, Florida and Director of Finance at Boyton Beach, Florida. He was certified as an Emergency Medical Technician, a Paramedic and as an instructor of the curriculum. Moving to Georgia he became Fire Chief of Carroll County, Georgia and soon moved on to the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth where he taught until he retired.

Proud of his heritage and blessed with his father's Irish humor and a powerful baritone/bass singing voice David was a joy to those who knew him. Diagnosed with cancer in 2012 he fought a good fight. Entertaining the patients and staff in the chemotherapy infusion room became routine.

David and his loving wife Peggy of 35 years shared their home with her mother and grandson Chris for many years. He is preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, mother-in-law, also Chris and a niece Deborah. He is survived by his steadfast and caring wife Peggy, sister Patricia and her husband James Klein.

David was a wonderful brother, husband and friend. He loved the Lord and served as a Pastor in the surrounding community of Blountstown, Florida where he resided at the time of this death. David used his voice as a witness and his presence will be deeply missed. David died March 9, 2018 at the age of 81 years.