David Crooks

David Graham Crooks, 93, died on August 12 in Tucson, Arizona, following a period of declining health. He was born in Paterson, N.J., on October 20, 1929, to Archer Duryee Crooks and Rebecca Pearse Easterbrook Crooks. His mother died when he was seven. Two years later, his father married Helen M. Flowers, who helped raise Dave and his younger brother Jim. Two sisters, Betty and Marian eventually joined the family.

Dave grew up in Glen Rock, N.J., graduated from Ridgewood High School, and continued his higher education at Rutgers University, receiving his diploma in 1951. On campus, he concentrated on English and Economics, wrote for “Targum” the university newspaper, and was a member of the Kappa Gamma fraternity. Following graduation, he served for two years in the U. S. Army Signal Corps stationed in Germany.

In 1954 he married his first wife, Ola Ruby. They moved to Wheaton, Ill., where Dave worked for the Nabisco Company. The family relocated to Newark, Del. in 1958, where Dave became a technical writer for the Thiokol Chemical Corporation. He remained with Thiokol for the rest of his working career. Together Ola and Dave raised three children.

Dave’s marriage to Ola unraveled in the 1970s, and they eventually divorced in 1977. Dave married Ruby Christ a few years later and lived with her in Oxford, PA. During his years with Ruby, Dave tackled his addictions to alcohol and tobacco. He joined Alcoholics Anonymous, faithfully attending meetings and reaching his goal of sobriety. A.A. became the source of his spiritual understanding of life. Dave sponsored many new members over the years and even tutored fellow members in prison.

During his Oxford years, Dave served proudly on the Oxford Board of Education. He had a deep commitment to serving the next generation. Family members of all ages savor wonderful memories of attending crab and corn-on-the-cob picnics at Ruby and Dave’s home. Ruby died in 1996.

A few years later, Dave married Joan Lane. They chose to retire to Prescott, AZ., where Dave faithfully continued his leadership role in A.A. Together Dave and Joan enjoyed wonderful music, theatre productions, and stimulating retiree classes at the local university. When Joan succumbed to Alzheimer’s, Dave, in his can-do fashion, took loving care of her.

For the last chapter of his life, Dave moved to Tucson, AZ, to be closer to his son Chris, daughter-in-law Betty and granddaughter, Lizzie. At first, he lived independently, then in a senior care center, and finally moved in with Chris’ family. He felt truly blessed to live out his final years in their home, accepting their constant, loving care.

Dave lived life with gusto. He had a hearty, contagious laugh. He took up many different pursuits – intense games of bridge at lunch with his Thiokol cohorts, square dancing with Ruby, jazz cruises with Joan, yoga classes, and especially the joys and responsibilities of being a grandfather. He never forgot birthdays. We were all remembered and cherished. His positivity and selfless generosity encouraged his grandchildren to reach their respective professional goals. Dave stayed abreast of current events and engaged with the world beyond his walls until the end. He especially loved being around young people. During one visit, several of his great grandchildren shared his small suite with him for the night. A pajama party at 90 years old, why not?

Dave leaves behind siblings: James B. Crooks (Laura) of St Johns, Florida, Helen E. Wilkin (David), of Wooster, Ohio, and Marian L. Downie (Stephen) of Toronto, Canada; children: Stephen A. Crooks of Newark Del., Suzanne E. Satterly (Jimmie Kauer) of Kennett Square, PA, and Christopher S. Crooks (Betty) of Tucson AZ,; grandchildren: Joel Crooks-DeForrest (Susan), Maria DeForrest (Jonathan), Melanie S DeForrest Meibaum (Ray) and Elizabeth G. Crooks; great-grandchildren: Cameron, Chloe, Quinn, Elija, Zack, Blake, Magnolia, and Ronin; as well as beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. His extended family and friends will sorely miss his upbeat, caring presence among us.

A gathering of family and friends will take place later to celebrate his rich life.

The family would like to encourage all who knew Dave to share their memories of him on this website