Dr. Walter Joseph "Boots" Crook, Sr., age 73, a resident of Elba, Alabama, passed away Saturday, July 4, 2026, at his home after an extended and courageous battle with cancer. Having grown up in the Victoria community, he carried Coffee County in his heart throughout his life, and no matter where his work led him, he always considered it home.

Dr. Crook was a 1970 graduate of Elba High School, a 1980 graduate of the University of Alabama, and received his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in 1984. He completed his residency in Psychiatry and practiced as a psychiatrist for over 40 years. He devoted his career to helping patients manage and overcome the challenges of mental illness, working tirelessly to improve their quality of life. Fascinated by research and the advancement of his field, he remained actively engaged in studying new methods and solutions until the very end, always striving to better serve those who depended on him.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory a son, Daniel James Crook, and Daniel's longtime companion Denise Michelle Patterson, of Las Vegas, Nevada; three grandsons, Brandon Joseph Crook of Enterprise, Alabama, David Cole (Bailey Marie) Crook of Dothan, Alabama, and James Hunter (Lauren Hawley) Crook of Opelika, Alabama; and great-grandchildren Olivia Marie Crook, Luke Carter Crook, Samuel James Crook, Whitley Crook, Maliya Crook, Carter Crook, and Autumn Jade Crook. He is also survived by two sisters, Rhetta Ann Schmidt and Elaine Crook Bullard.

Dr. Crook was preceded in death by his son, Walter Joseph "Joey" Crook, Jr., along with his parents, Erie Mae and Kermit Crook.

In accordance with his wishes, disposition will be by means of cremation with a memorial service to be held at a later date.

Hayes Funeral Home of Elba, Alabama, is serving the Crook family.