Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 11:00 A.M.at Peever Cemetery, Peever, SD with lunch to follow at Bible

Fellowship Community Church, Peever, SD.

Richard Melvin Crooks passed away at the age of 86 on Jan 8, 2023 at Tekakwitha Living Center with family by his side.

Richard was born 10/03/1936 to Melvin Richard Crooks and Beatrice (Eck/Schumway) Crooks near Summit, SD. He grew up in the Peever/Summit area. He went to school at a country school and also attended school in Browns Valley, MN for a short while. He graduated from Peever High School.

Richard worked at the Mercantile/Grocery store in Peever throughout high school and after graduation he worked at Spies grocery in Watertown. Richard then ventured to California where he worked in the grocery business until which time he was able to start his own Real Estate business. He remained in real estate until his retirement.

Richard loved to travel and throughout his life he was able to travel to several different countries. His siblings so enjoyed hearing about his travels and seeing pictures from his adventures. After retirement he purchased a RV home and traveled throughout the US staying in RV parks. He always said he met so many great people when he was traveling. He loved visiting with people that he met along the way. He was very much interested in preserving and restoring historical landmarks. When he was in California he was involved in restoring an old street/train car. He had wonderful pictures and told many stories of his visit to the Ford plant and museum. He would always encourage people to travel and see things instead of just talking about doing it some day.

Richard lived in Texas, Wisconsin and then moved to Colorado where he resided for a few years. He then moved to Tucson, AZ where he resided until his declining health had him returning to SD to be closer to family. He lived in Sisseton area at the time of his death.

Richard is survived by his son Carlos Crooks, Illinois. Grandchildren Carlos Daniel Velasquez, Alexander Crooks, Brandon Jesus Crooks and Victoria Diane Crooks. One brother Larry (Lucille) Crooks, Sisseton; sister-in-law Avis Crooks, Mpls, MN; brother-in-law Dennis Reyelts, Berthoud, CO, sisters, Patty Davidson, Cavalier, ND; Vonnie Lehrke, Sisseton; Shirley Froidevaux, Kerman, CA;

Judy (Diana) Crooks, Pleasant Lake, IN; Cindy (David) Argo, Peever.  Many cousins, neices and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, paternal and maternal grandparents, brother Tim Crooks,

baby brother Tony Don Crooks, sister Kathy Reyelts, brothers-in-law Dale Davidson, Richard(Dick) Lehrke and Harold Froidevaux.

The family would like to thank Pastor Tom Mueller for his visits with Richard. We would also like to thank Prairie Lakes Hospice, Tekakwitha Living Center staff and Edgewood Assisted Living staff for the wonderful care given to Richard. In lieu of flowers or plants, the family would kindly request memorials be given to any of the following: Prairie Lakes Hospice, Edgewood Assisted Living, Tekakwitha Living Center, Peever Cemetary or Summit Cemetary. Planting a tree of your choice and place in Richards memory would be a welcome option also. Thank you to Cahill Funeral Chapel for their assistance, care and concern. Your caring and giving nature throughout this time was very much appreciated. God bless you all.