Nathan Crook Jr.

Obituary Msgt Nathan L Crook, Jr. USAF Ret'd. Nate Crook was born September 10, 1937 in Yuba City, CA to Nathan L. Crook, Sr. and Cecil G. Carter Crook and died in his sleep on December 24, 2017 in Tacoma, WA. He grew up in Red Bluff, CA and graduated from Antelope Elementary, Red Bluff Union High School, and Shasta College. He also attended San Jose State, majoring in saxophone performance. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1959 and served 22 years, retiring in 1981. He was stationed in Scotland, Germany, England, Vietnam, and at numerous locations in the US. He belonged to the Eagles, Am vets, and was a lifetime member of the VFW. He began playing his father's tenor saxophone at the age of nine and by age 13 was a member of the local Musicians Union and playing regular gigs in Red Bluff. While in the Air Force he played with a small band called the Del Roys and they won the world wide military talent contest. In retirement he played with New Horizons Bands in Tacoma and Olympia and the Milton Senior Center Band. He was very proud of his 100-year-old baritone saxophone. He was a good bowler, carrying a 200+ average and a fearsome dart player, earning the nickname "Nasty." He couldn't be beaten at Upwords. He was predeceased by his brothers Charles and Richard and his best friend Loren and leaves his loving wife Ruth (Patty), daughters Georgia Lantsberger (Steve) of Stockton CA, Cathy Palme of San Diego CA, Angelina Crook of Yucaipa CA, Nancy Williams of Portland OR, Susan Williams of Tacoma WA, Karen Myers (Brian) of Tacoma WA and sons Tony Arkley of Big Bear Lake CA and Frank Billington (Wendi) of Vancouver WA. and his sister Trudi Mendoza of Poway CA. Sixteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren. There will be a graveside service on January 5 in Red Bluff CA and a memorial will be held at VFW Post 969, 3510 McKinley Ave. in Tacoma WA on January 20 at 1:00 pm. "So there!"