William Howell Crook

Norfolk- William Howell Crook passed away on February 10, 2011. He was born in Easton, PA, the son of the late Stanley and Ruth Crook and Arlene Edwards. He was raised and educated in High Bridge N.J. Right after graduation with the Army at his heels, Bill and three classmates joined the U.S. Navy. During his 30 year military career Bill served in Korean and 3 tours in VietNam. In 1982, he retired as an Engineman Master Chief. Bill met Shirley Meissner, they married and enjoyed 46 years of marriage. Together they raised their family of 3 children. He was commited not only to his family, and the USN, but to his community through the Boy Scouts of America. Bill served with troop 30 from 1976 to the present as a leader. Bill and Shirley received the Coveted Silver Beaver Award as a couple on May 30, 1991. He was an avid Nascar fan and enjoyed camping and traveling.

Bill is predeceased by his wife Shirley M. Crook; aunt Ethel Crook; and grandson Paul W. Crook. He is survived by his wife Julia Crook; his sons Gary E. Crook (Lee), William T. Crook (Shelley), John S. Crook (Sandy), and stepson James E. Oakley Jr. (Jenifer); one brother Vernon Edwards (Leeann); his grandchildren William B. Crook, James E. Oakley III, and Michelle Leland; and three great-grandchildren Brandon Bower, Callie Leland, and Justin Leland. Also many nieces and nephews and two sisters-in-law, Jeannie and Lydia Meissner.

A visitation will be held Sunday, February 13, from 6-8 at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd. Norfolk. The funeral service will be Monday, February 14, at 10am at Norview United Methodist Church 1112 Norview Ave. Norfolk.