Herbert Crook

John Herbert Crook was born on October 21, 1925, in Martindale, Texas, the son of Hardy Crook and Lizzie Raborn Crook. After attending the Martindale Schools he graduated from Lockhart High School and entered The University of Texas at Austin at the age of sixteen. After one year of college, he persuaded his parents to sign the papers allowing him to join the US Marine Corps, where he served in World War II from 1943-1946 as a dive-bomber gunner in the Pacific. Upon completing his BA at UT, in 1951-52 he returned to the Marines as a trainer in radio communications. Once again, he returned to the University, this time completing his JD degree in the UT Law School.

His career as a lawyer in Austin was varied and successful, including state service as Director of the Claims Division for the State Highway Department and Liquidator for the State Board of Insurance. Subsequently, he opened the Austin office for a Dallas firm, then opted to pursue his own private practice.

In 1962 he married the former Shirley Frances Hill, and together they reared four daughters, whose growth, accomplishments and families were his greatest source of pleasure and pride. Herb enjoyed his life immensely, would try anything that wasn't illegal, and treasured his many friends old and new.

Surviving to treasure his memory are his wife Shirley; four daughters: Gentry Crook McLean (Jim), Kimberly Crook Stavinoha (Pete), Kelly Crook, and Sherry Crook Meyer (Scott); and seven grandchildren: Elizabeth McLean, Joe Stavinoha, Christopher McLean, Michael McLean, Kate Meyer, Ian Meyer, and Madeleine Meyer. Herb was preceded in death by his parents and his brother George Hardy Crook.

Private burial service will be followed by a celebration of his life replicating the annual birthday parties which gave him so much pleasure to be held in his home at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Herb's name be made to the Del Valle Independent School District to help restore its RF-4C jet airplane (a World War II reclamation) in honor of our servicemen & women, or a charity of choice.