CROOK, James (Mato) L.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ September 3, 2007 James "Mato" L. Crook, 57, of Show Low died Thursday, Aug. 30, at Summit Healthcare. Mato was born Oct. 24, 1949, at Ontario, Ore., to Robert and Beth (Wight) Crook. He was baptized into the LDS Church at an early age. He was raised and attended school in Utah and Wyoming. He graduated in 1968 from Rawlings High School in Rawlings, Wyo. He was drafted into the U.S. Army immediately following graduation and served 14 months of his 24-month tour in Vietnam. He was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division in recon. Following discharge, he worked in the construction industry all over the country. He came to Show Low in 1975 where he continued to work construction. He enjoyed watching sports, especially college football and, more recently, golf. He was a very kind-hearted and generous person who was always willing to come to the aid of anyone. Survivors include two daughters, Lani and Sila Crook of Show Low; three sons, Zekah Crook of Apple Valley, Calif., Zechariah Crook of Show Low and Matthew Crook of Phoenix; his mother, Beth Crook of Logan, Utah; two sisters, Karen Crook of Blackfoot, Idaho, and Karma Stephens of Las Vegas, Nev.; four brothers, Neil Crook of Salt Lake City, Utah, Emery Crook of Kaysville, Utah, Tom "Toasty" Crook of Show Low and Reed Crook of Alexandria, La., as well as six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father. Funeral services were held Sunday, Sept. 2, at Pinetop First Baptist Church with Pastor Reg Alderman officiating. Interment will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix. Arrangements are under the direction of Black's Mortuary in Show Low. Sign the guest book and send condolences at www.blacksmortuary.com.