Colonel Eugene Franklin Crooks USA, Ret.

1927 - 2025

Colonel Eugene Franklin Crooks (USA, Ret.)

February 16, 1927 - September 5, 2025

Colonel Eugene Franklin Crooks (USA, Ret.) passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025. Colonel Crooks was born in Concord, NC, on February 16, 1927, to William Weler Crooks and Ora Hall Crooks.

The lives he touched in his 98 years on this earth continue to unfold to us as we continue to learn of his unselfishness to family, friends, and strangers that encountered this amazing man.

"They don't make them like him anymore."

"Oh, what reminiscence stories of his life experiences we will sorely miss."

Following graduation from Concord High School in 1944, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving overseas on Guam until receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1946. He attended Davidson College, where in 1948, he received a Commission through ROTC as an infantry Second Lieutenant. He entered active duty in the US Army in November 1949 and served thirty years, retiring as a full Colonel in 1979. He served in and commanded infantry, airborne, and Army Aviation units in some of the Army's finest Divisions, including the First Infantry Division, the 82nd Airborne, the Seventh Infantry Division, and the 101st Airborne Division. In Vietnam, he commanded the 10th Combat Aviation Battalion and later served as Operations Officer and Chief of Staff of the First Aviation Brigade. Assignments in Higher Headquarters include Headquarters XVIII Airborne Corps, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Headquarters US Army Europe, Headquarters Eighth US Army, and US Force Korea. His military professional education includes the Basic and Advanced Officers Courses, Command and General Staff College, and the Armed Forces Staff College. He was a graduate of and served in the faculty of both the Army and Air War Colleges. He was a member of the US Army Strategic Studies Institute. His last assignment was Army Advisor to the Commander, Air University. Civilian schooling includes a BS in Economics and Business Administration and a master's degree in public administration. He was a Ranger, Senior Parachutist, and Senior Army Aviator, both fixed and rotary wing qualified, multiengine, instrument-rated. Among his decorations, and awards are the Legion of merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with eight oak leaf clusters, Joint Service and Army Commendations Medals, World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Medal, US Vietnam Service Medal (four campaigns), Korean Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star and others. After retirement from the military, he served for ten years in various positions with the State of Alabama Alcohol Beverage Control Board. He served as a church officer for many years in Memorial Presbyterian Church prior to joining First United Methodist Church. "Gene" was a member of the Military Officers Association of America, the Order of Daedalians, Sons of the American Revolution, Association of the US Army, the Marine Corps League, and other military and civilian associations.

Col. Crooks was preceded in death by Ruth Lotschaw Crooks, his first wife; a son, Mark Edward Crooks; a son, Richard Douglas Crooks; and a daughter, Sharon Rae Crooks Reed.

He is survived by his wife, Erin Nation Crooks; daughter-in-law, Christa Crooks; son-in-law, Robert Reed; daughter-in-law, Patricia Lusk Crooks; stepsons, Brad Conway and Patrick Conway; grandchildren, Jessica Crooks Francis, Jared Crooks, Jamie Crooks (Tristen Malone), Rebecca Reed; two great-grandchildren, Caleb Francis, and Khloee Crooks; several nieces and nephews.

A friend's and family visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home, 10505 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36117. A graveside service with military honors will be rendered at 11 a.m. in Alabama Heritage Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, you may make memorials to First United Methodist Church, Montgomery, 2416 West Cloverdale Park, Montgomery, AL 36106-1908, your local Humane Society, or your favorite charity of choice.