Frank W. Crookes Jr.

Frank Crookes left his family on September 26, 2023 to join his wife Beverly and live with his Lord Jesus Christ.  Frank was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather.  He was born on July 26, 1938 to Frank W. Crookes, Sr. and Jean R. Crookes in Detroit, MI.   He grew up in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI and graduated from Grosse Pointe High School in 1956.  Upon graduation he attended Western Michigan University and graduated in 1960 with a BA degree.  While in high school, he joined the Naval Reserve.  This led to serving active duty aboard the USS Kitty Hawk after he graduated from college.  When he returned from the Navy, he taught at the junior high school in Dowagiac, Michigan and later became the assistant principal there.  Frank and his family later moved to Springfield, MI and became the principal of the Middle school.  He received a Mott Fellowship Grant to work on his Doctor of Education degree.  Then he took a position as Vice-President at Kellogg Community College where he enjoyed engaging in community services and helping others to fulfill their educational dreams.  Frank took leadership roles in the United Way, was a lifelong member of the Lions Club, Westlake Presbyterian Church and was a Mason.  He also was an instructor of the Battle Creek Leadership Academy. 

Frank is survived by his children Thomas (Barbara) of Wadsworth Ohio, Michael (Vanessa) of Jupiter Florida, David (Mary) of Wilmington, NC, Kathy Vought (Robert) of Mattawan, MI and Grandchildren Aaron, Justin, Ben and Shelby Crookes and Samuel Vought, sister Jean (Allen) Woodworth and Brother William (Judy) Crookes and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in Death by his wife of 63 years Beverley Crookes.

Frank was a life-long learner and mentored others to be the best that they could be.  Frank was active in his children’s lives, coaching sports, sailing, and participating in Boy Scout and Girl Scout adventures.  He and Beverly traveled extensively across the United States and Europe, by land and by sea.  Frank felt most at peace on the water whether on a large ship on the ocean or a sailboat on a lake.  He shared his love for sailing with all of his children and grandchildren.  He was a life-long Tigers and Lions fan. 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday October 2, 2023 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek and funeral services to celebrate Frank’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at Westlake Presbyterian Church, 415 South 28^th Street, Battle Creek, Michigan 49015.  Interment with full military honors will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery.   Memorials may be made to the Beverly and Frank Crookes Family Scholarship, administered through the Kellogg Community College Foundation.  Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

The funeral service was recorded and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/870744346