Robert Allen Crook I

THE ANCHOR HOCKING GLASS COMPANY

BIRTH
SATURDAY | 08 OCT 1921
Maxville, Perry County, Ohio, USA

DEATH
TUESDAY | 20 JUL 2010
Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio, USA

Joe McFarland

The Far-Land Legacy
The Publishing Legacy Company

January 26, 2024

BIOGRAPHY

LANCASTER – Born Saturday, October 8, 1921, almost three years after the end of World War I, Robert Allen Crook was born to Raymond Sylvester and Mary Catherine (Miller) Crook in Maxville, Ohio, which lies in the southwest corner of Perry County, in Monday Creek Township. By the time Robert was 8 years old he lived at 401 Miller Avenue and attended the local Lancaster public schools. He ranked second in the line up of the five children born to Raymond and Mary. Raymond worked at Anchor Hocking as a glass worker along with neighbors Percy Armstrong, Fred White, Chester Black, and Lawrence Miller; Robert’s uncle who lived with them as recorded on the 1930 US Census. By 1940, Helen had moved out five years prior when she married Richard Brinsley Sheridan from Ross County on June 17, 1935. Robert had only completed his sophomore year at the Lancaster High School when he began to transition into the work force as a glass worker, like his father, at the Anchor Hocking Glass Company, located on West Fifth Avenue.

Robert met and married Dorothy Mae Daubenmire on Tuesday, October 14, 1941, just under one week after his 20th birthday. They were wed in the Parish House of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, where they attended as members, by Father Edmond McCormick. They both attended mass at St. Bernadette Catholic Church as well.

Four months later, on Sunday, February 15, 1942, Robert registered for the military to serve during World War II. By this time, he was living at 214 1/2 West Sixth Avenue in Lancaster and working in Plant #1 at Anchor Hocking. It wasn’t until Tuesday, September 7th, the following year, that Robert officially enlisted and began to serve his country as a Private. He left for the war on Wednesday, September 29, 1943 and served in the United States Army Signal Corp., stationed in the European Theater. Sometime later he received the rank as Technician Fifth Grade (TEC 5) which is recorded on his military marker in Forest Rose Cemetery.

After returning home from the war, Robert, Bob as most knew him, and Dorothy lived at 920 Mulberry Street in Lancaster and raised three children: Judith “Judy” Ann, Robert Allen Jr. (II), and Margaret “Peg” May. Dorothy’s brother, James E., also lived with them during 1950.

On Thursday, January 8, 1942, the ranks of Technician, Grades three through five, were established and a “T” was incorporated with the existing chevrons that the soldiers wore on their sleeves. The numerical designation inverted the order to the rank. This rank identified personnel with technical skills and differentiated them from those with combat skills including infantrymen or artillery men. For example a TEC 3 today is a Staff Sergeant, a TEC 4 a Sergeant, and a TEC 5 a Corporal. Private First Class and Private were ranked below a TEC 5.

During Robert’s life he was a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Council 1016, VFW Post 1380, American Legion Post 11, and the AFGWV Local Union No. 561. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and refered to them as the “joy of his life.” He also enjoyed several personal interests and hobbies: bowling, golf, baseball, softball, fishing, and gardening flowers and vegetables. Mr. Crook retired from Anchor Hocking after working in Plant #1 as a Burn Off Operator.

In 2001, Robert and Dorothy’s three children held a reception in their honor to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary at the Mumaugh Memorial on the day of their anniversary, October 14, between 2 pm and 4 pm.

Robert passed away on Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at the Crestview Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Services facility on Becks Knob Road in Lancaster. The visitation and vigil were held at the Sheridan Funeral Home on Thursday, July 22 and the funeral was held on Friday, July 23 at 1:00 PM at the St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. Military honors were presented at the burial at Forest Rose Cemetery in honor of Robert’s military service to his country during World War II. When he died he was the last surviving sibling. His sister, Bernice, passed almost two months prior.

PARENTS

Raymond Sylvester Crook

Mary Catherine Miller

LANCASTER – Robert’s parents, Raymond and Mary, were married either at the end of 1918 – at the end of the Great War – or at the beginning of 1919, as Raymond served in World War I and Helen was born on December 21, 1919. The 1920 census was recorded between January 10-13 of 1920 and shows Raymond and Mary married with an infant one month old.

SIBLINGS

Helen Lucille Crook

Dorothy Catherine Crook

Bernice May Crook

William Richard Crook

LANCASTER – Robert was one of five children born to Raymond and Mary Crook. Helen and Robert were born in Perry County before Raymond and Mary relocated to Lancaster. They moved somewhere between 1921, when Robert was born, and 1926 when Dorothy was born. Robert was the last surviving sibling, passing away almost two months after his younger sister, Bernice.

MARRIAGE

Dorothy Mae Daubenmire

LANCASTER – Robert married Dorothy on Tuesday, October 14, 1941, before serving in the U.S. Army in World War II.

CHILDREN

Judith Ann Crook

Robert Allen Crook II

Margaret May Crook

LANCASTER – Robert and Dorothy raised three children in Lancaster, Ohio.

OCCUPATION

CENSUS – 16 APR 1930 – Student in local school.

CENSUS – 23 APR 1940 – Student at the Lancaster High School.

CENSUS – 06 APR 1950 – Glass Factory Worker at Anchor Hocking Glass Company.

LANCASTER DIRECTORY – 1942 – Factory Worker at Anchor Hocking Glass Company in Lancaster, Ohio.

BURIAL

FOREST ROSE CEMETERY – Robert is buried next to his wife in the Forest Rose Cemetery. Both photos of Robert’s tombstone courtesy of FindAGrave.com. Updated photos coming soon.