Frank Crooks of Chariton, Iowa

Our dearest cousin Frank Crooks has passed away. Several years ago when I began my genealogy journey, I had posted a brief inquiry in the Chariton, Iowa Newspaper seeking relatives of ours in the Lucas County, Iowa area. Frank's wife Donna Crooks was quick to respond via letter/mail. It was unfortunate that I had never had the pleasure of meeting Donna before cancer took her precious life. Frank was the only surviving "Brower" cousin to my father, as his mother Anna Leona Brower and my father's father John Howard Brower were siblings.   

Frank was a quiet, gentle soul who shared valuable memories of my grandfather John Howard Brower with us and some photographs of our Brower, Mills and Ruble families of Lucas and Lacona area of Iowa. We are forever grateful for the time we shared with him and we will greatly miss cousin Frank Crooks. 

Obituary posted on Des Moines Register 

Franklin Allen Crooks, 92 of Chariton, formerly of Avon Lake, passed away August 10, 2021. A Celebration of Frank's Life will be held on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton.

Frank was born April 26, 1929, to Raymond and Anna Crooks in Lucas County, Iowa.

On July 1, 1950, Frank was united in marriage to Donna Howell in Russell, Iowa. The couple was blessed with two children, Rory and Trudy.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Crooks; daughter, Trudy Martinez; granddaughter, Alisha McBride; and brother, Harold "Butch" Crooks.

He will be dearly missed by his son, Rory (Kathy) Crooks; grandchildren: Eric (Jodi), Jason (Tami), Jolene, and Johna (Brian); 10 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; sister, Mary "Sis" (Marvin) Hall; brother, Paul (Sharon) Crooks; special friends, Evelyn and Minnie; and many relatives and friends.

Pierschbacher Funeral Home - Chariton

Roy Lovell, Morris Sivill, John Howard Brower

This is an old tintype photo surrounded by cardboard frame.

Roy Dorm Lovell was the son of William Andrew McClelland Lovell and Clara Viola. He was born 01 Nov 1906 in Whitebreast, Warren County, Iowa. Roy was married to Ruth Irene Reeves who was born 05 Jan 1910. 

Morris Sivill born between 1902-1903, son of Thomas Sivill and Agnes. Morris Sivill was married to Opal. Morris is no relation to my family, only friends with my grandfather. He is found living near my grandfather's sister Anna and her husband Raymond Crooks in 1940 in Liberty Twp., Lucas, Iowa. 

John Howard Brower (my grandfather) was born 04 Sep 1904 in Liberty Twp., Lucas County, Iowa. He married Edna Lois Lovell who was born 25 April 1914 in Whitebreast, Warren County, Iowa. She was the daughter of William Andrew McClelland Lovell, sister to Roy Dorm Lovell (in picture). 

Marriage Certificate of John Howard Brower and Edna Lois Lovell

Marriage Certificate 59-08553 from Iowa State Department of Health: Full name of Groom: Howard Brower, Place of Residence: Liberty Township, Lucas County, Iowa, Occupation: farmer, age at next birthday is 29, place of birth is Liberty Twp., Lucas County, Iowa. Father: James Brower and mother is Elizabeth Mills, first time for marriage. Bride full name is Edna Lovell, born White Breast Township, Lucas County, Iowa. Age at next birthday is 20, current residence is White Breast, Lucas County, Iowa, mother: Clara Vickroy, father is William Lovell. This is her first marriage. Witnesses to marriage: John H. Smith and Estella R. Marshell. Marrige date: April 22, 1933, Chariton, Iowa.

This is the only picture I have of my grandmother Edna Lois Lovell and grandfather John Howard Brower together. 

Family Photo Restoration

I've worked in Photoshop for years, but never thought to try restoring old family photos until now! 

James Allen Brower, wife Sarah Mills and son John Howard Brower.

This is a picture of my Great Grandfather James Allen Brower, who was the son of Jeremiah John Brower and Sarah Jane Woods and with him is his wife Sarah Elizabeth Mills, daughter of Isaac Joseph Mills and Lydia M. Ruble and their son, my Grandfather, John Howard Brower.