Former Fayette County Sheriff William Robert Crooks, 76, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Saturday, April 7, 2018, at 4 a.m. at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center where he had been a patient since Tuesday.
Bill was born January 20, 1942, in Washington Court House, Ohio to Robert Forest and Virginia Mabel VanGundy Crooks. He was a 1960 graduate of Washington High School and was a lifelong resident of this community.
He began his law enforcement career in 1962, when he became a civilian radio dispatcher and jailer with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department. He was soon promoted to the patrol division and began working as a road deputy. He was named sergeant by Sheriff Donald L. Thompson and first lieutenant by Sheriff Robert W. McArthur. Upon the retirement of Sheriff McArthur, Lieutenant Crooks was appointed to fill the unexpired term. He was elected sheriff in 1992 and served until 1996. In 1997, he joined the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office and was currently a detective sergeant with the department.
He was a 1985 graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy, only one of four members from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department to graduate from the most prestigious law enforcement academy in the country. He was a member of the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association; Bloomingburg Lodge F & AM #449 and the 32nd Degree Masons, Valley of Columbus.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, William R. Crooks, Jr. in 1965, and a sister, Nancy Love in 2005.
He is survived by his wife, the former Judy Ann Miller whom he married March 8, 1965; three children, Brian and Angela Crooks, Lisa and Greg Pettit, Jason and Teresa Crowe, all of Washington Court House; six grandchildren, Logan and Austin Crooks, Abbi and Weston Pettit, Kalee and Ryan Crowe; a sister, Sally Barton of Washington Court House and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be Friday, April 13, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the Heritage Memorial Church of Christ In Christian Union with the Rev. Joe Duvall, former pastor at the church, officiating. Burial will be in Good Hope Cemetery. A time of fellowship will be held at the Crowne Room following the graveside service.
Friends may call at the church Thursday from 3-8 p.m. where a Masonic service, which is open to the public, will be held at 8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Auxiliary Department, 110 West Market Street, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160 to purchase equipment for the rescue truck,
Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.
www.kirkptrickfuneralhome.com
First of all we should all thank his family for sharing so much of his life to law enforcement. Further him when he was a deputy then as It under Bob McArthur
He helped us when our niece Any was killed by a semi driver near Circleville.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all family and law enforcement family.
Terry Dountz
Retired Franklin County
Member Capital City Lodge 9 FOO
Keeping you all in my prayers.
Prayers for the family. We are so sorry for your lost. Bill was an amazing man. He will be missed. Steve and Kathy Kilbarger
Just wanted to express my sincere apologies for your loss of Mr. Crooks. I found these Bible verses at John 5:28 & 29 to be comforting. 28 Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment . I hope you can find this a comfort in the time of your loss.