William Eugene Crook

William Eugene "Gene" Crook died in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 10, 2010 at the Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center in Show Low, Arizona following a lengthy battle with cancer. He had just turned 68 years old. Gene was born on April 7, 1942 in Winslow, Arizona to the late William Peckham Crook and Susie Rudd (Waite) Crook. After completing his high school education, Gene enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a mechanic while stationed in Korea. He was grateful for his American heritage and was more than willing to serve this great nation in any way that he could. After receiving his honorable discharge, Gene worked in various occupations doing many different things. It seemed as though there wasn't anything that he could not do. For 10 years he worked as a stockman in craft at the pulpmill. He aslo was a gas delivery man for Amerigas for many years. Being very skilled working with his hands, Gene worked as an appliance service man for some time, too. Gene thoroughly enjoyed being outside. He loved "moseying" in the great-out-of-doors and as he walked he was always on the lookout for "stuff"; both natural and ancient man-made artifacts. He enjoyed strolling during the evening hours and he spent many nights night-spotting. Another of his pleasures in life was shooting guns; especially his rifles and pistols. And, he wasn't shy about telling you how good a shot he was. By nature, Gene was an extremely generous man and, with his mechanical capabilities, he enjoyed working on cars for his family and friends...all at "no charge." Even though he was very active with his outside activities, he also, more than anything, enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved every member of his family so very much and they all loved him back! Gene is survived by: his daughter, Whitney Elizabeth Crook of Winslow, Arizona; 1 grandson, Sterling Ryan Prine of Winslow, Arizona; mother, Susie Crook of Holbrook, Arizona; 2 brothers: John Orland Crook of Mesa, Arizona, Rodney Peckham (Teri) Crook of Taylor, Arizona; 2 sisters: Janice Susie "Jan" Crook of Show Low, Arizona, Elizabeth Ann Petersen of Show Low, Arizona; 15 nieces and nephews and is also survived by numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews. The public visitation for Gene will be 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M., Friday, April 16, 2010 at the Holbrook Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Holbrook, Arizona. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, April 17, 2010 at the Stake Center where additional visitation will begin 1 hour prior. The concluding service and interment with military honors will follow at the Holbrook Cemetery.