Elvis E. “Gene” Crooks, 75, retired Lt. Col. USAF, of Scottsdale. AZ., formerly of Oakland City, IN passed on Sunday November 19, 2005 at his home in Scottsdale, AZ.

He was born on August 15, 1930 in Claybank, IN to Elvis and Mary Uleva Fella Crooks, and grew up in Claybank and Oakland City. Upon graduation from Spurgeon High School in 1948 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, completing his fighter pilot training in 1953 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant which began an illustrious military career. In April 1952 he married Patricia A. Ryan of New York City, they was married for 37 years. This marriage later ended in divorce.

The T-6,T-28,T-33,F-80,F-86, F-100, F-101, F-102, F-106 and F-4 were the fighter jets that he flew. He was a Viet Nam veteran, member of V.F.W. Post # 1147 in Princeton, American Legion Post # 34 and the River Rats Association. He was a avid golfer with a “1” handicap. His favorite past time was going to horse races, playing bridge, or other card games and loved to dance; he was a great storyteller.

Surviving children are Debbie Ammons of Tucson, AZ., Donna Lehn of Farmington,WA, Daniel Crooks and Denise Schmidt of Litchfield Park, AZ and Donald Crooks of Florcence, AZ. Sisters Maxine Brown of Greencastle, IN and Betty Cross of Ft Worth, TX. One brother, Fred Crooks of Oakland City, IN. His companion of 15 years Charlene Powell.

(7) Grandchildren

Memorial Services will be Sunday December 11, 2005 at 12:00 Noon at Lamb-Basham Memorial Chapel in Oakland City, IN, with military honors given by the Princeton V.F.W. Post # 1147, at 2:00 P.M. Sunday at Blackfoot Cemetery near Coe, IN.