Edward Lyle 'Buck' Rooks
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Edward Lyle “Buck” Rooks, 83, of Greenfield, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 17, 2022 at his home, surrounded by family.
He was born Jan. 25, 1939, in Columbus, the son of Elmer Lyle “Doc” Rooks D.V.M. and Eleanor Lorrain Harper Rooks.
Buck served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves (1969-1993) in the 906th and 907ths CAMS and Tactical Airlift Group, earning the rank of Master Sergeant, following deployment to Kuwait to support Desert Shield and Desert Storm. For 33 years, he also served in the Civilian Service with the USAF as an FAA Certified aircraft mechanic on sprayers and carriers.
He was passionate about life and enjoyed sailing, scuba diving, motorcycles, rebuilding engines, amateur radios and assisting with disaster services. He was an alumnus of Culver Naval School, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, past president of the Scioto Valley Amateur Radio Club and was proud to hold the East Coast Timing Association Land Speed Racing Record for a motorcycle he built.
He is survived by two daughters, Jennifer Jo Rooks Wenker and Kristen Kay Cross, and their mother and his former wife, Janet Michael Chapman; five grandchildren, Cyrus James Cross, Harper Jane Cross, Hannah Kathryn Makayla Wenker, Eleanor Linden Hope Wenker and Kloe Madison Scharbrough; brother and sister-in-law, Donn and Lois Rooks; nephews and niece, Christopher, Sean and Bethany Rooks; cousins, Martha Rooks Gregg, Scott Rooks and Samantha Rooks, John, Tom and Ted Harps, Bill Rooks and Joyce Rooks Bower; former wife and dear friend, Pat Martin; stepdaughter, Tracie Powell Rudek, and step-granddaughter, Rachel Anfone McGrath; as well as numerous dear friends, neighbors, Hospice, VAMC and private caregivers and family all over the country.
In addition to his parents, he also was preceded in death by a daughter, Kimberly Renee Rooks, and her mother and his former wife, Marcella Hilterbran Rooks Angel; an infant sister, Sandra Kay Rooks; aunt and uncle, Frances Harper Harps and Col. James Harps; and cousin, Jimmy Harps.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 22 from 4-7 p.m. at Murray-Fettro Funeral Home in Greenfield, with a memorial tribute service to begin at 7 p.m. followed by military rites. A celebration of life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Fayette County Humane Society, 153 S. Main St., Washington C.H., Ohio 43160 to honor Buck’s lifetime devotion to the love and care of stray cats.
Condolences may be sent to www.murrayfettro.com.
He was born Jan. 25, 1939, in Columbus, the son of Elmer Lyle “Doc” Rooks D.V.M. and Eleanor Lorrain Harper Rooks.
Buck served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves (1969-1993) in the 906th and 907ths CAMS and Tactical Airlift Group, earning the rank of Master Sergeant, following deployment to Kuwait to support Desert Shield and Desert Storm. For 33 years, he also served in the Civilian Service with the USAF as an FAA Certified aircraft mechanic on sprayers and carriers.
He was passionate about life and enjoyed sailing, scuba diving, motorcycles, rebuilding engines, amateur radios and assisting with disaster services. He was an alumnus of Culver Naval School, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, past president of the Scioto Valley Amateur Radio Club and was proud to hold the East Coast Timing Association Land Speed Racing Record for a motorcycle he built.
He is survived by two daughters, Jennifer Jo Rooks Wenker and Kristen Kay Cross, and their mother and his former wife, Janet Michael Chapman; five grandchildren, Cyrus James Cross, Harper Jane Cross, Hannah Kathryn Makayla Wenker, Eleanor Linden Hope Wenker and Kloe Madison Scharbrough; brother and sister-in-law, Donn and Lois Rooks; nephews and niece, Christopher, Sean and Bethany Rooks; cousins, Martha Rooks Gregg, Scott Rooks and Samantha Rooks, John, Tom and Ted Harps, Bill Rooks and Joyce Rooks Bower; former wife and dear friend, Pat Martin; stepdaughter, Tracie Powell Rudek, and step-granddaughter, Rachel Anfone McGrath; as well as numerous dear friends, neighbors, Hospice, VAMC and private caregivers and family all over the country.
In addition to his parents, he also was preceded in death by a daughter, Kimberly Renee Rooks, and her mother and his former wife, Marcella Hilterbran Rooks Angel; an infant sister, Sandra Kay Rooks; aunt and uncle, Frances Harper Harps and Col. James Harps; and cousin, Jimmy Harps.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 22 from 4-7 p.m. at Murray-Fettro Funeral Home in Greenfield, with a memorial tribute service to begin at 7 p.m. followed by military rites. A celebration of life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Fayette County Humane Society, 153 S. Main St., Washington C.H., Ohio 43160 to honor Buck’s lifetime devotion to the love and care of stray cats.
Condolences may be sent to www.murrayfettro.com.