CSM Edward Crook Jr.

CSM (Ret) Edward Crook, Jr. July 25, 2005 COLUMBUS, GA— CSM (Ret) Edward Crook, Jr., of 4512 Moline Avenue passed away on Monday, July 25 at the Montgomery Veterans Administration Hospital. The funeral service will be conducted on Friday, July 29 at 12:30 p.m. at St. John A.M.E. Church, 3980 Steam Mill Road. Pastor, Debora Grant will officiate. Interment will be held in Main Post Cemetery, Ft. Benning, with full military honors. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. according to Charles E. Huff's International Funeral Home. An Omega service will be conducted on Thursday at 5 p.m. at St. John A.M.E. Church. The funeral procession will depart from the residence at 12:00 Noon. 1960 Olympic Gold Medalist, Edward Crook, Jr., Eddie, as he was affectionately referred to was the Middle Weight Boxing Champion, and part of the dynamic Olympic Team with Muhammad Ali and Wilbur "Skeeter" McClure. This was the culmination of a boxing career that began when he was growing up in Detroit at the Career-Brewster Center. This eventually led to his achieving the Golden Glove Champion Award, and the winner of several military championships. Following his Olympic accomplishments, Eddie retired from boxing and pursued a career with the U.S. Army, gaining several athletic achievements with the All Army Football Team. He served as Quarterback of the Champion Football Team, was named The Most Valuable Player of the Berlin Bears, and the CISM Champion-European. He demonstrated his leadership skills during his 30 years in the military by being appointed Command Sergeant Major and served two tours in Vietnam. His dedicated service earned him the "Silver Star", two "Purple Hearts", and a "Bronze Star". In 1961, Eddie was appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for Africa, representing the United States. His love for the development of young minds and willingness to share his skills and knowledge, led him to mentor many individuals including Coach Kenny Adams, the first African American Boxing Coach for the Olympics. He supported the boxing program at Fort Benning, and established a program called the "Smokers". He further assisted in the selection of the 1988 Olympic hopefuls at the Olympic Training Camp in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was a speaker on behalf of the Georgia Olympics as well as the speaking program with the United States Postal Services and assisted with the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Eddie obtained a degree in Business Management from Troy State University in Fort Benning and was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He was a faithful and active member of Saint John AME Church in Columbus. He precedes his loving wife of 48 years, Fannie Crook of Columbus, and children, Terri Crook of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Alison Franklin of Louisville, Kentucky, Edward Crook, III, of Atlanta, Jerry Crook and Michael Crook of Detroit, Mich., Brenda Petit of Atlanta, Malinda Crook and Sandra Crook-Walker of Lansing, Mich.; grandchildren, Janae Copeland, Shanell Henry, Zina Crook, Ebony Crook, Tiann Crook, Patricia Crook, Shaila Crook, Sean McGee, Chad Crook, Joseph Crook, George Crook, Jerry Crook, Jr., Brandy Crook, Brian Crook, Mikesha Kosoko; sisters-in-law, Vera Whittlesey, Janet Davis, Maryanne Carter; brother-in-law, Ralph Rogers; a close family friend, Carrie Sumrall; a Godson, Christopher Jackson; and numerous great grandchildren; loving relatives, friends, acquaintances, and fans. The Eddie Crook, Jr., Youth Leadership Development Foundation has been established in his honor to continue his legacy in inspiring youth to reach their full potential.