John L. Crooks

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our father, John L. Crooks III, on October 23rd, 2022. Even though our dad has all his arrangements made to help us out in this time of grief, he never got around to crafting his obituary. What follows is only a brief summary of his life.

Our father was born February 22nd. 1932, in Chicago, Illinois to John L Crooks and Viola Crooks.

He had fond memories of spending summers in his youth on the family farm in New Harmony, Indiana. Jackie, as his father nick named him in his youth, wrestled in high school, and surprisingly was a fairly good ice and roller-skater. He went to college on a scholarship that required his service in the U.S Air force (mid 1950’s and was eventually stationed in Boise, Idaho). After his military service he was employed by the Indiana Rating Bureau, studied law and passed the Indiana State Bar, and retired in 1995 after 42 years from ISO Risk Services, Inc. He married Doris Newby (1954) and they had 5 children (Carolyn, John, David, Charles and George). He later married Phyllis Sandefer (1976) and joined her family that included Brad, Brian and Scott. Dad enjoyed his retirement golf outings and participating in his kid’s activities, including fishing, baseball, Boy Scouts (Scout Master), and Indian Guides. Dad was very active in his church, St. Matthew’s Episcopal, and although he had limited musical capabilities, even joined the Bell Choir in his later years much to our amazement. He was proud of his violinist, trumpeter, baseball players, swimmers, football player, and tap dancer.

He is preceded by his parents, John L. and Viola B. Crooks; wife, Phyllis; and sister, Susan. Dad is survived by daughter, Carolyn (Randy) and her children, Kate (Addison) and Harry; by son, John (Jane) and their son, Benjamin (Catherine) and great grandsons, Christopher, William, Timothy and Matthew (Alex); by son, David and his daughter, Samantha (Will) and great granddaughters, Leena and Scarlet and son Jonathan; by son, Charles (Lisa); and by son George (Teri) and their daughters, Alyx and great granddaughter Emersyn, and Paige (Josh) and great granddaughters Aubrey and Julia, and a great grandbaby girl due in March 2023.

Although our hearts are breaking, we know that it was best for Dad to go. We will miss him and cherish memories of him. As long as he is in our hearts, he will always be with us.

Visitation will be Friday Oct 28th at St. Matthews Episcopal Church from 11-1pm. His funeral will begin at 1pm. He will be laid to rest at Washington Park East Cemetery.