Thomas L. Crooks

Thomas Lyles Crooks, Jr., US Air Force Lt. Col., retired, 82, of Pomaria, died Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at his residence.

Born on November 14, 1939, in Pomaria, he was the son of the late Thomas L. Crooks, Sr. and Annie Laurie Harmon Crooks. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Clemson University and his masters degree from the University of South Carolina. He retired after 21 years from the US Air Force and following his distinguished military career he worked for the US Postal service, and taught at Irmo Middle School and Whitmire High School. Mr. Crooks was a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church where he had served on the church council. He enjoyed playing golf at the Mid-Carolina Country Club.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Graham Crooks; a son, Brian Crooks (Julie Smith Crooks); a daughter, Tammy Crooks Finley (Paul Finley);  a son-in-law, Walt Gnann; grandchildren, Walter Gnann, Jordan Crooks, Reagan Finley, Thomas Gnann, Tyler Crooks and Avery Finley; a sister, Carolyn Crooks Bishop (Rev. Henri Bishop). He was predeceased by a daughter Milbrey Crooks Gnann in 2012.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, February 5, 2022, at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church by the Rev. Steve Jackson. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service. Memorials may be made to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church General Fund, PO Box 170, Pomaria, SC 29126.

Active pallbearers will be Walter Gnann, Jordan Crooks, Thomas Gnann, Tyler Crooks, Dr. Blease Graham, Jr. and Dr. Blease Graham III.