Wayne Crooks

Wayne Edward Crooks, a fifth-generation San Antonian, entered eternal rest on March 13, 2026, at the age of 70. Born April 12, 1955, in San Antonio, Texas, Wayne lived a life defined by devotion—to God, to his family, to his country, and to serving others.

Wayne attended Texas A&M University, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and completed leadership training, later earning the rank of Second Lieutenant and completed military training at Fort Hood. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science—a background that led his family to lovingly say he became a true “fisher of men.”

Wayne’s life calling was ministry. For more than 35 years, he faithfully served in full-time ministry, dedicating his life to missions work, prison outreach, and church leadership. Reflecting his heart for the incarcerated, he volunteered for 20 years as a chaplain at the Bexar County Jail, offering prayer, counsel, and spiritual guidance to those in need.

His service included ministry with Faith Outreach Church and involvement with Cross Trail Outfitters. At Harvest Church, he served in missions and also shared his love for learning as a high school math and science teacher at Harvest Academy. Wayne also played a vital role in the founding of Embassy of Hope, where he served on the Board of Directors.

A passionate prayer warrior and devoted student of the Bible, Wayne also earned a Master’s degree in Theology from Logos Christian International. He was an author who shared his heart for the church through his books, Reigning in Heavenly Places and Will The Real Church Arise? Being The Church In The Fullness Of God’s Kingdom.

He loved mentoring young men, leading Bible studies, and investing in the next generation. He also enjoyed camping, scuba diving, and participating in Boy Scouts with his sons. Wayne had a deep appreciation for history and enjoyed participating in historical reenactments at The Alamo and Fiesta San Antonio parades, where he portrayed Colonel Robert E. Lee during the period of Lee’s service in Texas. After retiring from ministry, Wayne remained active in his community by serving as a substitute teacher with North East Independent School District.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert W. Crooks; his mother, Sophia S. Crooks; and his brother, Robert Wm. Crooks. Wayne is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth (Izzie) Crooks; his sons, Christopher W. Crooks and Joshua M. Crooks; and many friends, colleagues, and fellow believers whose lives were touched by his faith and service. He was also deeply loved by Izzie's mother, her siblings, their spouses, and a large extended family of nieces and nephews. Wayne was deeply proud of his sons and loved them greatly. In his later years, illness sometimes made it difficult for him to express what he felt, but his love and pride in the men they had become remained constant.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." — 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” — Psalms 73:23-26
‭
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." — Revelation 21:4