Mike Crocker, age 71 of North Canton, passed away Monday, June 24, 2024 at Aultman Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born December 28, 1952, in Enterprise, AL to the late Connie B. and Molly Adele (Cochran) Crocker. He graduated in 1975 from Auburn University, AL with a BS in Business Administration. As a new graduate he became employed by North Canton Medical Clinic and moved to Ohio. While working there as assistant administrator he met and then married Emily, the love of his life. In the early 1990s Mike began working as the business manager for Dr. Richard Cooper, MD at Astute Medical and he remained working there part-time. Mike was not only dedicated to his family and community but also to his hobbies. An avid fisherman, he found solace and joy in spending time on the water, often participating in tournaments as an active member of Stark County Bassmaster's Association. His love for fishing connected him with nature and provided him with life-long friendships. In 2018 Mike began his hard-fought battle against Parkinson's Disease. He and Emily joined Rock Steady Boxing Group in Canton whose mission is to empower people with Parkinson's Disease to fight back through non-contact boxing and exercise. Here, he found not only a therapeutic outlet for managing his symptoms but also life-long friends who shared his journey. Their camaraderie and support sustained him through difficult times and brought joy to his days. Despite his struggles with Parkinson's, Mike faced other battles when he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Undeterred, he approached his treatment with strength and optimism. Emily's unwavering love sustained Mike through his battles with Parkinson's Disease and cancer, providing comfort during the most difficult times. He had wonderful support by his family, friends, Rock Stead Boxing, and the ladies at Astute Medical. We could not do it without you. Thank you all. The family would also like to thank the nursing staff at Aultman Hospital and Dr. Richard Cooper for their excellent care. Mike is survived by his wife of 42 years, Emily Crocker; brothers-in-law, Dan (Joyce) Braucher, Aaron (Sue) Braucher; and nieces and nephews, Val Braucher, Danny (Maria) Braucher Jr. (their son, Mitchell), Amy Jo (Heath) Sanders (their sons, Brock and Ben), Betsy (Jason) Hisrich (their daughter, Maggie Evans), Jay (Kelly) Braucher (their son, AJ), Erik (Michelle) Griswold, Tim (Anay) Griswold, Amanda (Lee) Chandler. He was preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Griswold and his brother, Tommy Crocker. He touched so many lives with his kindness and great attitude.  He will be missed by so many. He will always be remembered and never forgotten. We had a saying, "There are no good-byes - just see you later."  Mikey We Love You. The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Heitger Funeral Home - Jackson Chapel, 5850 Wales Ave NW, Massillon from 10 AM  to Noon with a memorial service to follow at Noon. His final place of rest will be at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens in Massillon. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Rock Steady Boxing Group, 1240 Dueber Ave SW, Canton, OH 44706 to help those battling Parkinson's Disease. To leave condolences to the family go to www.heitger.com Heitger Funeral Home and Crematory 330-830-0148

Rock Steady Boxing Group
1240 Dueber Ave SW,, Canton OH 44706