Richard Crook

HENRY — Richard Lee Crook, 68, of Henry died at 8 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30, 2011, at his residence in Henry.

Richard was born April 11, 1943, at home in rural Putnam, Ill., to Clarence and Freda (Henkins) Crook. He married Lois Wheeler on May 18, 2000, at the Henry United Methodist Church. She survives in Henry.

Richard graduated from Henry-Senachwine High School, Class of 1961. He had served his country during the Vietnam era in the Illinois Army National Guard. He was a member of the M-P Farm Bureau and the Henry American Legion. He attended and was active in the Henry United Methodist Church.

Richard was a petroleum salesman for Ag View FS, formerly Grandview Service Co, making a long career with the company, retiring in 2001. He always had time to visit with his customers and developed a close relationship with them.

He enjoyed nature, watching the eagles and other wildlife from his home, home and yard improvements, and his coffee club that would gather at the Fast Stop. He would love to watch sports, being an avid Cub, Bears and University of Illinois fan. Attending the activities of his nieces and nephews were always an enjoyment for him.

Also surviving are two brothers, Ralph (Juanita) Crook of Polo and Miles (Mary) Crook of Putnam, two sisters-in-law, Marian Crook of Henry and Helen Crook of Lacon; brothers and sisters-in-law, Marcia Johnson of Chillicothe, George (Colleen) Wheeler of Putnam, Lura (Stephen) Hamilton of Chillicothe, Robert (Linda) Wheeler of Tiskilwa; and 35 nieces and nephews, whom he loved very much.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Howard, Clinton (Edith) and Alford; one sister, Margaret (Robert) Fox; two nieces and two nephews; and one brother-in-law, Dale Johnson.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Henry United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church. A second visitation will be Wednesday one hour before the service. The Rev. Lindsay D. Churchman will officiate. Burial will follow at Putnam Cemetery, where the Henry American Legion will accord full military rites.