Born December 14, 1931, in New Castle, Pennsylvania
Departed July 28, 2024 in Melbourne, Florida
The heavenly skies have reached down and welcomed back one of their own. On July 28, Colonel (USAF, Ret.) Kenneth Elmer Crooks, (professor emeritus, Florida Institute of Technology), one of our nation’s most gifted aviators and aeronautics educators, passed away peacefully at his home in Melbourne, Florida. He was 92 years old. He joins his soulmate and wife of 71 years, Kathleen Violet Crooks (Kathy), who passed just a few months ago.
Colonel Crooks, born in 1931 in New Castle, Pennsylvania, grew up in the steel mill towns of Western Pennsylvania. He met his future wife, Kathy, while both were students at Penn State. He was commissioned there as a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Newly married, he was assigned to basic air training in Bartow, Florida. His pilot training included instruction in the T-6 Texan, and the B-25 Mitchell and the Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers. His first operational assignment was in the KC-97 Stratofreighter at Castle Air Force Base, California. He became one of the first Boeing KC-135 instructor pilots, even training the first Boeing 707 commercial airline pilots on the similar Boeing airframe.
Assignments to Strategic Air Command and Air Force Systems Command followed, with bases in Texas, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Hawaii, before he volunteered for service in Vietnam. Flying the C-7 Caribou and other aircraft, he served some four years in the Southeast Asian conflict. Colonel Crooks completed his career commanding aircraft maintenance in Ohio, then as the director of operations for the 45th Air Division, responsible for Mach-2 FB-111 nuclear deterrence missions from the Northeast United States, and as the director of test operations at Strategic Air Command headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.
During his career, he commanded and directed missions and programs that foresaw the technology and strategic issues of the 21st Century – drones, cruise missiles, anti-ballistic missile interceptors, next generation air combat, space technology, and the adverse effects of modern warfare on global atmospheric conditions. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross for valor, the oak leaf cluster to the Bronze Star, several Air Medals and other awards for distinguished aerial and command achievements. His aerial exploits over the Vietnam skies earned him the nickname “Zig Zag” from the reporters covering the war, and the title “The Bear” from his aircrew and troops. His last official act as an active-duty officer was to commission one son and swear another into officer training school, both with the United States Air Force.
When he retired from the Air Force in 1979, he and his wife Kathy, along with all five of their sons, migrated to Florida, joining relatives in the state. He finished the master’s in public administration degree he started in the Air Force, gained his Realtor license, and taught at high school and as an adjunct instructor at Florida Southern University in Lakeland. He decided to study law at the University of Florida and earned his Juris Doctorate in December 1989.
Hired by the Florida Institute of Technology as an assistant professor of aviation law and management, he was key to advancing FIT’s aeronautics program into a full-spectrum College of Aeronautics. Among his achievements at the university were enhancing the aeronautics school’s global reach and making technology upgrades. Professor Crooks was selected as the Faculty Member of the Year in 1998 and led the college in various senior administrative and legal roles, including that of Interim Dean. He earned the prestige of Emeritus status upon his retirement in 2012.
In his retirement, Ken found joy in mentoring and entertaining the youngsters in his ever-growing family. The sound of children’s giggles and mirth chorused from his home for three generations and his humor and wit entertained and charmed all. A source of pride was that his sons followed him with college degrees into the professions. Finally, he was a tireless, devoted, and incredibly steadfast caregiver to his long-ailing wife, Kathy. No greater love has there ever been.
Ken was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Dorothy Crooks, as well as his sister Dorothy Harrelson, his brothers, Harold and Philip Crooks, and by his wife Kathy. Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Kenneth C. Crooks, Esq. (Rose), Dr. Kerry A. Crooks (Viviene), Col. (USAF Ret.) Kelley W. Crooks (Patty), Kristian “Andy” Crooks (Dawn), Lt. Col. (USAF Ret.) Kyle E. Crooks (Cindy); twelve grandchildren, Kenney Crooks (Stacey), Daniel Crooks (Jennifer), Courtney Crooks, Justin Crooks (Alexis), Katharine Crooks, Victoria Crooks, Kiyra Scheller (Austin), Karly Crooks, Kasey Crooks, Heather Crooks, Dakota Crooks (Josie), Hunter Crooks; thirteen great grandchildren; and his sister Betty Balombini.
The memorial service and celebration of Ken’s extraordinary life will be held at 6 p.m., September 6, 2024, at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 106 North Riverside Drive, Indialantic, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, cherished friends, family, and colleagues are encouraged to donate in memory of Ken to a charity of their choice, or to the Florida Institute of Technology’s College of Aeronautics Dean’s Fund. Their contact information is [email protected] or (321) 674-6162.
7 entries.
Dr. Tolga Turgut, PhD
from Melbourne wrote on September 6, 2024:
Dr. Ken Crooks was my instructor at FIT first, later he became a mentor to me and a very dear friend. He was a highly talented instructor who enjoyed asking challenging questions and stimulating young minds. There are very few instructors who can connect with students and touch their lives the way he did. I also had privilege and honor to meet and get to know his soulmate Kathy who was a wonderful person. May she rest in peace as well. It was obvious that they loved each other deeply. Hence Dr. Crooks decided to join him not much afterwards of the passing of Kathy. In our last text correspondence on March 20, 2024 he wrote the following: "I'm doing ok. The leg is doing well (for an old man). I'm working on it. Emotionally, its much harder. But my family is supportive and it really helps to hear from special friends".
World needs more special and great people like Dr. Ken Crooks. He will be dearly missed. I always believe that people actually die when they are no longer remembered or mentioned. Col. Crooks will always be remembered by raising a wonderful family together with his wonderful soul mate Kathy and many lives he has touched in USAF and Florida Tech.
Rest in peace my favorite instructor, mentor and friend..
Tolga
Dr. Edward Kalajian, Ph.D. P.E., Professor Emeritus
from Melbourne Beach, FL wrote on August 28, 2024:
Ken and I shared a similar philosophy while serving together on many Florida Tech university committees. We believed that University Regulations should always favor the student's education. I enjoyed his humor, and he will be missed by his colleagues and by his students. Ed
Dr. John Cain, Ph.D. Colonel USAF (Ret)
from Palm Bay wrote on August 6, 2024:
Though Ken and I enjoyed similar career tracts and life accomplishments in the USAF and at Florida Tech, Ken was far above me as my superior, mentor, and friend whom I sought to emulate once we became friends in 1993. I have so many professional and personal memories of Ken. Perhaps most notable at this moment were the "friendly" poker games hosted by Ken and Kathy. I never could figure out why I always lost to Ken! Rest in Peace my friend.
Kyle Crooks
from Orlando wrote on August 5, 2024:
All he did his entire life was to take care of his family, his country, and his students. He gave everything he had to ensure everyone he cared about had whatever they needed and was happy. Always making jokes, smiling, and helping others. He is with the love of his life now and able to finally rest knowing he gave us exactly what we needed to continue without him. I love you Dad, we will take it from here, you can enjoy resting with mom.
Victoria "Spikey" Crooks
from Bedford, TX wrote on August 5, 2024:
To borrow from one of his many students at the Florida Institute of Technology: “The man…the legend.”
Popop was a kind and well-respected man, his reputation spanning from coast to coast. Whether it be hurricane hunters, airport operators, or aviation professors following his example, I have run into many people who extolled the wisdom of “Professor Ken Crooks”. Born and raised in the Keystone State, Popop was our family keystone. He would celebrate your triumphs or support you through your trials. Ever humble, to the point of hiding achievements for about 20 years, he never rested on his laurels or accolades. After all, “there is always room for improvement.” He always offered his wisdom and guidance, either by discussing aviation emergency responses or debating the taxonomy of animal plushies. “The old people”, my “little sister”, and I out here in “buffalo country” love you and will miss you. Clear skies and a safe flight, Popop.
Andy Crooks #4 Son
from Indialantic wrote on August 5, 2024:
I, as of yet, have not written publicly about my father’s passing as there are no words for me that will help relieve the pain within my heart. I have spent the last several years either talking or spending time with my father being the son living close by, with the duty of checking in with him and mom giving any help needed and reporting back to my brothers. Then as mom’s condition became progressively worse, I spent hours and hours spending valuable time with the man I called Pops. It was such a blessing and he became more than just my father he became a best friend! Even though he did drive me crazy, as we started getting him out doing things with the family, after mom passed, he always had “ one more thing” to do before we left, always making us late. Recently, we were going to lunch and as I sat at that table waiting he said those words we later joked about, “Andy, I “have one more thing” to do, and of course he fell out by the pool and banged himself up with cuts and bruises but after I did my best first aid that I could, he changed out of the bloody clothes and said let’s go to lunch! I would tease him about it every time we would catch him say “ I have one more thing to do” And he said it often, we would laugh! And we would be late again! Pops
I so wish you had just “ one more thing to do” love you so much ! Your buddy
Dr. K.A. Crooks
from Weatherford, Texas wrote on August 5, 2024:
Dad was a man for all seasons. His was a mind and soul that was charged with unquenched curiosity, unyielding self-discipline, and an amazing capacity for love.
He loved flying, he adored teaching and his students, and he found joy in mentoring the members of his family. But most of all, he loved his co-pilot of 70+ years, Kathy. Both now have slipped the surly bonds of earth and, together, are dancing the skies on laughter-silvered wings.
Fair skies and soft tailwinds forever!
Born December 14, 1931, in New Castle, Pennsylvania