CSM (RET) Robert Glenn Crooks passed away November 13, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. Robert (Bob) was born in the Panama Canal Zone to Homer Vincent Crooks and Mini Cecil Brown. He served in the United States Navy as a Fire Control Technician from 28 July 1955 to 27 April 1960 and the United States Army as a Radio Teletype Operator. While in the Army, he volunteered for Jump School and became a paratrooper serving in the 82nd Airborne Division in Vietnam. After his first tour, he again volunteered, this time for Special Forces training, earning the coveted “Green Beret.” He served two combat tours with the 5th Special Forces Group (Vietnam). During these tours, he was wounded in action twice, received two Order of the Purple Heart Medals, and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with ‘V’ Device for bravery in combat.
He went on to become an Instructor at the United States Army Jungle Warfare School in Panama and was an Observer/Mentor for the 20th Special Forces Group in Birmingham, AL. He graduated from the 3rd class of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy in Fort Bliss, TX on 20 June 1974. He served as First Sergeant (1SG), Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 307th Signal Battalion in Wonju, Korea, from November 1974 - 75. He served as the Battalion Command Sergeant Major (CSM) of HHC, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, KY, where he later retired on 31 August 1978, being awarded the Legion of Merit Medal for 22 ½ years of Honorable military service to his country.
Robert is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nicola Kay Crooks, Jacksonville; sons Jeffrey McKenzie Crooks (Stacey), also of Jacksonville, Brian Michael Crooks, El Paso, TX, and Benjamin Gaylord Crooks (Cheryl), New Albany, OH; grandchildren, Ashley, Katherine, Mia, and Aidan; a number of other relatives and friends.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, December 4, 2020 at 9:30a.m. at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com for the CROOKS family.
