Allen Robert Crooker Sr.

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Allen Robert Crooker Sr.

MECHANIC FALLS — Allen Robert Crooker Sr., 87, of Mechanic Falls, died on Thursday, January 13, 2011. He was born in Norway on October 3, 1923, the son of George and Helen (Holt) Crooker. He graduated from Norway High School in 1941. He attended the University of Maine at Orono until he enlisted in the Army on February 9, 1943. He was discharged as a pilot with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant from the Army Air Corp.

He married Thersa Mary Durgin on November 3, 1945. They bought and operated a farm at Streaked Mountain for over 20 years. He moved to Mechanic Falls in the late 60s, where he kept a large vegetable garden. He worked as a clerk at Swan Supply in Norway and as a carpenter at Oxford Homes.

He enjoyed building and refinishing wooden furniture for his home and working on small engines. He always enjoyed gardening and having his grandchildren work beside him. He discussed family history regularly with his grandson and was a descendant of Revolutionary War soldier Joshua Crooker of Minot.

Mr. Crooker is survived by his three children, Allen Crooker Jr. and his wife Geraldine of Norwich, NY, Deborah Smith and her partner David Hollingsworth of Belgrade Lakes and Stephen Crooker and his wife Mary of Poland; his sister, Beth Foster of Tucson, AZ; four grandchildren, Carrie (Smith) Flagg and her husband Doug of Berwick, Shaun Smith and his wife Christine of South Berwick, Angie Crooker-Seeley of Eustis, FL and Amy Crooker of Lewiston; eight great-grandchildren, Mallory Smith, Connor Smith, Cayley Smith and Macey Smith of South Berwick and Ryan Flagg, Mallory Flagg, Alyssa Flagg and Evan Flagg of Berwick. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Thersa, in November 2004 and his brother, Clifford Crooker, in November 2008.

There will be no funeral. Donations in Mr. Crooker's name may be made to Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice.