Alexander Crook

Alexander Lawrence Crook, age 26, of Chicago formerly of Mattawan passed away Sunday, January 1, 2017 at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago. Alex was born January 9, 1990 in Coral Springs, Florida the son of Thomas and Lisa (Sutherland) Crook. He was a graduate of Mattawan High School Class of 2008 and Kalamazoo College Class of 2012 with a degree in Business and Physics. Ever the scholar athlete, Alex was a member of the National Honor Society and lettered numerous times in high school soccer and baseball. In 2007 he received Academic All-State honors in soccer. He continued his endeavors attending Kalamazoo College, lettering in Varsity Baseball all four years. In his sophomore year he was named the "Most Improved Player" by the coaching staff and players. After college he excelled in Chicago at Staff Management/SMX, where his outstanding performance led to the creation of a new position of Accounts Analyst. In his free time, he continued to pursue academic excellence, taking on-line courses, and continued his athletic endeavors going to the gym on a regular basis and playing competitive club soccer. Golf was becoming a new passion of Alex and his friends. His love for baseball continued by traveling and attending games at all of the professional baseball parks with his family. Alex will be most remembered by his dear love for his family, his close friendship and bonding with his brother, Tyler, and his warm outgoing personality and endearing smile. Surviving are his mother, Lisa (Steven) Szeles of Kalamazoo; father, Thomas L. Crook of Portage; brother, Tyler Crook of Kalamazoo; two sisters, Ally Szeles and Liz Szeles; maternal grandparents, Clarence and Mary Sutherland of Mattawan; many aunts, uncles and cousins. Alex was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Jack and Stella (Wolownik) Crook and uncle, Larry Crook. Family will receive friends Friday (January 6) 4 to 8 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, 502 W. Michigan Ave., Paw Paw. Service will be held Saturday, January 7th, 11 a.m. at Center Point Church, 2345 N. 1oth Street, Kalamazoo with Pastor Jeff Porte officiating followed by a luncheon. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Paw Paw. Memorial contribution may be directed to Children's Heart Foundation.