Richard Crook
Richard Crook
Richard Crook
August 14, 1944 – July 2, 2020
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 75
Richard Dean Crook, 75, of Oskaloosa passed away on Thursday, July 2nd, 2020 at 4:26 a.m. Richard was brought home to heaven peacefully, surrounded by his family at the Hospice Comfort House in Pella, Iowa. Richard, son of Kenneth Crook (Doris) and Thelma Patterson (Charles) was born on August 14th, 1944 in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
Richard graduated from Oskaloosa High School with the class of 1962.
Richard entered the Navy Service the following December. He served 3 tours in the Vietnam War. While on his first tour, Richard was involved in the Gulf of Tonkin incident that eventually led to the Vietnam War. He had 4 years of active duty and 2 years of reserve. During his service, Richard received the National Defense Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal.
While on reserve in 1966, Richard met and married his wife, Diana. Richard and Diana had 2 children, Tim Crook and Tina Crook (Hipsher).
After returning from duty, Richard returned to school in 1973 and entered the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in Ottumwa. Richard worked at the Oskaloosa Police Department for 7 years, 2 as Senior Patrolman and 2 as a Detective Sergeant. Richard also started and organized the Detective Division and the Drug Task Force.
More than anything, Richard loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed racing cars from all different styles. He raced stock, modified and sprint cars. From his love of cars, he started the D & D body shop. He owned and operated the shop from 1973 to 2015. Richard loved to restore vintage cars from scratch.
Richard was an active member of the Good News Chapel. Richard belonged to the organizations of The American Legion and a proud supporter of The Wounded Warrior Project. Richard was loved by many of all walks of life and built relationships with so many more. Richard was a family man and he wore his love and dedication to his family on his sleeves like a badge of honor.
He is survived by his wife Diana Crook and little nurse dog Schatzi, of Oskaloosa; 2 children, Tim Crook of Oskaloosa and Tina Hipsher (& Bryan) of New Sharon; Step Sister, Linda Otejen of Oskaloosa; Step Brother, Bob Patterson (& Phyllis) of Des Moines; Brother In-law, Danny Oliverson (& Cheri); 4 grandchildren: Holly Greenhalgh, Amanda and Bryon Schuring, and Seth Crook; and 8 Great-Grandchildren; Haleigh, Kailyn, Lexi, Paisley, Catalaya, Zinnia, Chase, and Kinsley; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Patterson and father Kenneth Crook; his brother, Roger Crook; and step brother, Dennis Patterson.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 9, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Alvern Boetsma officiating.
Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
According to the rules put in place by the Iowa Department of Public Health, proper social distancing and reasonable personal protective equipment is advised for attending a religious public event.
The funeral will be live streamed at the funeral home’s YouTube Channel for those wishing to support the family from a distance.
Visitation will begin Wednesday after 12 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel, the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 Wednesday evening to greet friends and relatives.
All memorials to be made to Hospice Comfort House in Pella, Iowa.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Richard Crook please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
