Last Friday morning Alvah E. Crooks was operated on for the third time at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha, and word was received here after the operation that it was doubtful whether he ever got up again alive, and at about midnight word came that he departed this life at about 10:45. Supt. Underwood drove down to Omaha Saturday morning to make arrangements for bringing the body to Blair, the body arriving sometime Saturday forenoon. While Mr. Crooks’ death was not entirely unexpected, yet it came somewhat as a shock for all had been hoping that this last operation would be successful and that he might return and enjoy better health than he had had for years. I believe Mr. Crooks was ready to go, for he had told me several times that it did not make any difference to him which way the tide turned for if God called he was ready to go, an if his life was spared he was ready to take up the burden of life and do the best he could. But God saw fit to take him and he has gone to that beautiful home where there will be no more pain or sorrow, and where his eyes, so blinded on earth, will be opened to the beauties and grandeur of that Celestial city, where pain nor sorrow shall never come.

Mr. Crooks was born in Willow Township, Richland County, Wis., May 30, 1861 and died July 23, 1926, at the age of 65 years, 1 month and 23 days. In his youth he worked at various tasks, being at one time employed in the mines of Wisconsin. His father was a Baptist minister, so was away from home much of the time, and Alvah, as he was familiar was called had to look after the home for the family was poor. So it became necessary for him to contribute to the support of the family and from what he tells me, he performed the taks loyally and well. While he was still young the family moved to Nebraska, settling near Meadow Grove. Mr. Crooks was anxious to enter the Spanish-American War but was rejected on account of his eyes. Then he studied awhile with a view to becoming a lawyer, but I suppose his poor eyesight deterred him form pursing this work.

After that he was elected justice of the peace, serving the capacity for some time. He also served as a policeman and in several other positions. In March of 1921 he applied for admission to the Crowell Home, was accepted and spent his time here until his removal to Omaha for the operations that followed.

While here he became a correspondent for The Pilot, giving the news of the Home each week in a very efficient manner, and he will be sadly missed by all in the Pilot office.

I believe Mr. Crooks had worked for a while in a printing office and frequently contributed articles to the press. For over a year he had served as sexton at the Congregational Church and I understand, gave perfect satisfaction and he will be missed by the membership of the church.

He had a wonderful love for little children and they loved him so much that when he went to the church or downtown if the children saw him they would run to him, and would put his areas around them. They will also miss him very much. He will be missed by so many with whom he associated for he was always of a jovial disposition and always had a cheery word for all.

The funeral services were held at the Methodist Church Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock conducted by his pastor, Rev. O.U. Proud, assisted by Rev. A. F. Newell, of the Congregation Church, and Rev. W. H. Underwood, superintendent of the Crowell Home. Rev. Proud spoke of Mr. Crooks’ strong feeling for America and her institutions, for he was ever strenuous for good government and wanted American ruled by Americans.

The choir sang so beautifully, the songs that Mr. Crooks selected to be used at his funeral: “Nearer My Good to Thee”. “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere”, and “Rock of Ages.”

The following relatives were present at the funeral: his nephew Henry Crooks of Sioux City, Iowa, and his niece and family from Oregon, who were driving through and heard of his death at Norfolk, and came to attend the services. The funeral cortege wended its way to the “Silent City of the Dead” where the remain of Alva Crooks were laid in their final resting place.

~The newspaper article has his named spelled Alvah, his headstone has it spelled as Alva.

Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clipping on file at the Blair Public Library.