Harry Dean Crook

Our father Harry Dean Crook, was greeted by his loved ones on October 26, 2023. He passed surrounded by his large loving family. He was born April 7, 1935 outside of Tipp City, Ohio, to Dewitt and Mary Elizabeth (Orth) Crook. He was the youngest of 8 siblings, his older sisters always called him the baby and the spoiled brat. Harry was born on a farm were he learned the meaning of hard work, having started working in the fields by the age of 5 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Sara “Sally” Summers, his second wife  Geraldine (Edmondson) Kinnison, his son and daughter-in-law Thomas and Cathy (Combs) Crook, his grandson’s Thomas and Harrison Crook. His sisters Ethel Crook, Frances Algren, Catherine Detrick, Mildred Bowers, and Betty Bonham, his brothers Harold Crooks and Roger Crook. 

He is survived by his children, Michael Crook, Kelli (David) Moulden, Dana Crook, Vicki (Dennis) Crowe, James (Teresa) Kinnison and John Kinnison. His family included 27 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren. 

Harry was lucky enough to have the love of two wonderful women. He married his high school sweetheart Sara “Sally” Summers in May of 1954 and they brought 4 children into the world and they were married for 17 years before Sally passed in 1972. After the loss of Sally he went on to find the other love of his life. He met Geraldine “Geri” (Edmondson) Kinnison while working at Printing Service company. He married Geri in November of 1974 and Geri brought 3 children into the marriage and they successfully blended the two families into one. Harry and Geri celebrated 48 very happy and loving years together before her death in 2022.

Harry started his printing career, while in high school when he worked for the small town newspaper the New Carlisle Sun. He went to work at Printing Service company, spending 35 years working his way up to management. He was known for his knowledge and experience all over the country. After retiring, he settled in Cape Coral, Florida where he spent 10 years working for Direct Impressions printing shop. Harry was also a master carpenter, he loved working on wood projects, and he even built a large home for his young family, with his own hands. 

When he finally retired for the last time, he and Geri spent their time cruising, having been to 55 countries around the world. Their enjoyment for cruising was shared with their families, having cruised several times with their extended family and friends. On one particular cruise there was 42 family members and 4 generations. 

Harry will always be known for his humorous wit, he loved telling a good joke. He’d even allow large crowds of people to get a great laugh at his expense. He wasn’t afraid to play the fool and was known by his alias “Willie Bangor”. If he teased you he definitely liked you, his family and friends will have many funny memories to reflect back on. 

He’ll be remembered for the sound advice he’d give, the many laughs and all the love he shared. We will miss our beloved father and papaw, but we know he’s sharing a good laugh and a good game of Euchre, with his family and friends in heaven. 

The family will be hosting a celebration of life for Harry, on November 8th 4-9 pm, at Smith Park, 801 Jefferson St. New Carlisle Ohio and a graveside service on November 9th at New Carlisle cemetery, 11545 Musselman Rd. New Carlisle Ohio

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