Billy Joe Crooks, Jr.

November 3, 1952 - May 16, 2025

Billy Joe Crooks, Jr ,72, of Silver Lake, passed away peacefully on Friday May 16, 2025 with his son and daughter by his side.

Bill was born November 3, 1952 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the middle of three children of Billy Joe Crooks Sr and Lesley Faye “Davis” Crooks.

After growing up for (15 Years) in Oklahoma, the family relocated to Topeka, KS where his dad purchased Standard Hart Printing. Bill attended public schools in Topeka and graduated from Topeka West High School in 1971.

Bill was an athlete growing up - he loved basketball and was a letterman for the Topeka West Chargers. Bill also loved baseball and played for the Topeka Reds. Although classmates at Topeka West, it was at this time in his life where he met the love of his life - Susan “Kim” (Canole) Crooks, who was the team batgirl. It was love at first site - and they never looked back! Bill and Kim married a few short years later on March 10, 1973.

After graduating from Topeka West, Bill joined his father at their family business at Standard Hart Printing and Color World working closely with both his father and brother (Gary Crooks Sr.) After the family would eventually sell the business - Bill moved on to work at the University of Kansas in Lawrence at the print shop taking on a managerial role. After several years of commuting back and forth from Topeka to Lawrence - Bill transitioned to a position with the State of Kansas working in the Department of Transportation until his retirement.

While building a solid foundation first with his wife Kim - they both decided it was their dream to build a family and had two children, William Joseph Crooks III and Susan Michelle Crooks. Bill and Kim both devoted their adult lives to their family. Both dedicated their time supporting and watching not only their own children play sports, but also their grandchildren who brought them much joy. They enjoyed traveling the country side together after retirement site seeing and both had a deep love and care for all their dogs and cats.

Bill was preceded in death by his father Bill J. Crooks Sr, his mother Lesley F. (Davis) Crooks and his wife Susan “Kim” (Canole) Crooks. He is survived by his children; son William “Bill” Joesph Crooks III and his wife Allison; daughter, Susan Michelle (Crooks) Zoeller and her husband Trent; five grandchildren, Zachary Zoeller, Ryker Zoeller, Brynna Zoeller, James Crooks, and Matthew Crooks; His sister Sharon (Crooks) Brinkman, husband Ron; and his brother Gary Crooks Sr, wife Julie.

Cremation is planned. Family will hold a private ceremony per his requests.

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