NORMAN — Col. (Ret.) U.S.A.F. William Jackson “Bill” Crooke, of Pauls Valley, was born to William Freeborn and Ethel Irene (Jackson) Crooke on Aug. 3, 1931, in Detroit and passed from this life Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Norman at the age of 81 years.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at the First United Methodist Church in Pauls Valley, with Rev. Mark Watson officiating.
Bill grew up and attended school in Detroit. He received his M.B.A. from George Washington University. Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force on July 12, 1953. He made a lifelong career serving his country for almost 26 years. Bill served for two tours during the Vietnam War. He obtained the rank of colonel. Bill met Marilyn Brebach while they were attending school at Michigan State and later married. She preceded him in death on April 22, 1986. In August 1987, Bill married Mary Sue Farbro. Bill and Sue made their home in Norman and then after retirement, they moved to Lake Arbuckle between Davis and Sulphur. In 1996, they moved to Pauls Valley. Bill was active in Scouting at Sulphur and supported Circle of Care and Boys Ranch at Gore. Sue preceded him in death on April 23, 2012. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta, Military Officers Association, Air Force Association and First United Methodist Church in Pauls Valley.
Mr. Crooke was preceded in death by his wives, Marilyn Brebach Crooke and Mary Sue Farbro Crooke; parents, William and Ethel Crooke; and grandson, Kyle Foraker.
Mr. Crooke is survived by two sons, Billy Crooke of Norman and Bobby Crooke of Norman; daughter, Carol Wilhelm and husband Randy of Wilbur by the Sea, Fla.; two stepdaughters, Vickie Foraker and husband Bobby of Maysville and Myra Rennie and husband Fred of Pauls Valley; nine grandchildren, Adrianne, Julianne and Jacob Wilhelm, Bella Crooke, Nick Rennie, Holley Sanders and Lesley Abbott, Keith Foraker and Kevin Foraker; and great-grandson, Brady Sanders.
Interment will be in the Maysville Cemetery with full military honors.
Services are under the direction of Wooster Funeral Home. You may send a condolence to the family at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com.
Norman Transcript, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012
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