John C. Crookes

Crookes, John C.
CLARKSVILLE - John C. Crookes, 91, died peacefully at home on Sunday, August 17, 2025. He was born on December 27, 1933, and lived in Clarksville all his life. He was the son of the late Frank and Francis Crookes (Shultz) and beloved brother of the late Elizabeth Mason (Crookes). John was predeceased by his loving wife of 58 years, June C. Crookes (Sprague).
John worked for Clyde Leonard's garage, Hummel and Albert Motors, the Town of New Scotland, Diamond T of Albany and Orange Motors. He then spent 27 years working as an equipment maintenance supervisor for the NYS Thruway Authority, retiring in 1989. After retirement, he kept busy by helping his son at J & S Automotive. John was known to be able to fix anything. In the late '60s, he built his own snowmobile from scratch. That led to him working on other people's snowmobiles for the next 20 years. He also designed and built his own camp on Lake Champlain. John loved to fish. Every Memorial Day weekend, for 30 years, he went trout fishing at St. Regis with Quint Turner, Pete Schultz, Larry Gepfert and Bob Gepfert. He also enjoyed bass fishing with Art Flansburg.
John is survived by his children, Susan A. Crookes and Steven J. Crookes (Janice); his grandchildren, John P. Crookes (Wendy), Kathryn M. Barrett (Garth), and Kristine L. Fish (Joel); nine great-grandchildren, Steven, Molly, Chase, Allie, Alyanna, Cody, Haleigh, Peyton and Brielle; his nieces and nephew, Jill, David, Debra and Patricia; and his Lake Champlain fishing buddies, Tom and Barb Wood and Dave Miller.
John's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Cheryl, his home care aide; Lacie, his hospice nurse; and Pat Mason, his niece.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 27, at 4:00 p.m., at the Onesquethaw Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Clarksville Fire House.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clarksville Fire House or the Clarksville Community Church.