Sen. Robert Crook

Senator Robert L. Crook, 81, died Wednesday January 26, 2011 at home in Jackson. He was born in Bolton on April 22, 1929 but grew up in Ruleville, Mississippi. He attended both the University of Mississippi and Jackson School of Law.

Senator Crook was proud of his military service in the United States Marine Corps and was a student of the War Between the States. He was active in the American Legion, Rotary Club, Sons of Confederate Veterans, and the Military Order of the Stars and Bars. He was appointed State Director of Civil Defense from 1960-64 by Governor Ross Barnett.

Senator Crook was considered an influential leader in the Senate and in the Legislature during the 28 years he served from 1964-1992 representing Sunflower, Bolivar, and Coahoma Counties. He served at a time when the Mississippi Legislature was a strong manager of Mississippi government through the budget process and through control of executive boards and commissions. Senator Crook proudly represented the interests of the Mississippi Delta. He was a protege and close friend of United States Senator James O. Eastland. As an effective hardworking member of the Senate leadership of his era, Senator Crook understood the authority of the Legislature and exercised it, as he would say "to the hilt."

Senator Crook is most remembered for the legislation he authored and passed involving the modernization of state government. He understood the importance of cutting edge technology at the time when the computer was a new tool of government, and authored the legislation which established the Central Data Processing Authority (CDPA) which is the predecessor of the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services. He authored the legislation which established the current Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration. In 1985, following the landmark Mississippi Supreme Court decision which removed legislators from serving on all major executive boards and commissions, he authored Senate Bill 3050 which implemented the order of the court and reorganized all Mississippi government into the basic structure it is today. He received a national award from the US General Services Administration for this landmark legislation. Senator Crook was very active on the issue of public utilities regulation and authored legislation to reorganize the Public Service Commission and establish the independent Public Utilities Staff. Senator Crook served as the first Chairman of Joint Legislative Audit Committee (PEER) and took the committee to Washington, D.C. to develop governmental audit procedures for Mississippi. He was the first Chairman of the Senate Fees, Salaries and Administration Committee which handled all legislation dealing with the salaries of governmental officials at the state, county and municipal level. As a successful practicing lawyer, Senator Crook was very active in legislation dealing with the legal profession and plaintiff's practice including Workers Compensation issues. Senator Crook also served as a member of the Mississippi Supreme Court Bar Tribunal.

Senator Crook is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gita Crook; sons, Robert Crook, II and Hubert Crook; and grandson, Cade Crook. He is preceded in death by grandson, Trey Crook and daughter-in-law, Becky Crook.

Visitation will be at Wright and Ferguson's Funeral Home in Jackson on Friday, January 28, 2011 from noon until 2:00. A graveside service will be held in Ruleville on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 2:00.