Mcpo Leonard Crook-U.S. Navy, Ret.

ASHEVILLE - MCPO Leonard Corbett Corb Crook, U.S. Navy, Ret., 80, went to be with his Lord Sunday, December 26, 2010 at the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center. A native of Buncombe County, he retired in 1975 from the U.S. Navy following 30 years of service where at the time of his retirement he held the Rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. He served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars and a variety of other Duty Stations worldwide. He received a total of 22 medals and commendations including the Bronze Star which was presented to him by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Mr. Crook was a son of the late Charley Henry Crook and Bessie Mae King Crook and husband of Althea Edna Briggs Crook who died December 16, 2008. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Elizabeth Fortune; and brothers, Charley Henry Crook, Jr., Albert Harding Crook, Donald B.H. Crook, Billy Earl Crook, George Ray Crook and Vernon Howard Crook. Surviving are his daughter, Margaret Juanita Baker and husband Cecil; grandson, Jason C. Baker and wife Crystal; great grandsons, Brad K. Baker and Aiden N. Baker all of Jacksonville, FL. Funeral services will be held 3 PM Friday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home with Rev. Stan Welch officiating. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory with military rites and honors conducted by the Buncombe County Veterans Memorial Team. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 PM Friday at the funeral home prior to services.