Michael Stephen Crook, "Mike", 44, of New Haven, MO. passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Sunday afternoon, 8/7/22.  Although we are completely heartbroken by the devastating loss of our beloved Michael, with whom we expected to share many more wonderful years, we are comforted in knowing he was with family that respected and cherished him, deeply loved and cared for him, as he was temporarily residing with his brother, Cody, and "sister" Kimi for the last 2 months of his life.  We rejoice and celebrate that he is no longer suffering from any emotional, mental, or physical pain, as he's now in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ for eternity.  We miss and love him so very much and greatly anticipate the day we will all be reunited with him once again.

Mike was born in Asheville, NC on Wednesday, 10/19/77, at 3:10 pm to Michael E. and Charlene M. Crook (nee, Coy).  Mike was a graduate of Brevard High School in NC and attended Pisgah Forest Baptist Church in his younger years.  He worked most of his life in residential construction, remodeling, and repair.  He enjoyed painting the most and acquired many years of experience in doing so.  Mike loved being outdoors and his favorite activity was fishing, either while kayaking, boating, or standing at the water's edge, it made no difference as long as he was able to cast that line.  He also enjoyed swimming, tubing, golf, baseball, basketball, paintball, target shooting, billiards, darts, ping pong, canasta, poker, Farkle, rock hunting, grilling and smoking food, and music of all genres.  His favorite color was blue and he loved Camaros.  Mike was an avid fan of UNC Tar Heels basketball, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and St. Louis Blues hockey.  His love of sports started when he was a little fellow and was chosen as captain of his T-ball team in Mills River, NC, then continued on through his school years when he played on the baseball and basketball teams for Owen High School.  He loved all animals, especially dogs and cats, and lost his precious girl Coco to old age and dementia in January of this year, he leaves behind his other dog, Scrappy, who has been adopted and is now being cared for by his brother, Cody, and "sister", Kimi.  Mike smiled often, always tried to focus on the happy, lighter side of life, and enjoyed goofing around with and playing pranks on his brother, Cody.  He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone about something enjoyable or positive, but always avoided anything he perceived as negative or confrontational and rarely if ever, complained about anything or spoke ill of others.  He also had a shy side as well and held his personal matters closely, never wanting to burden others with his problems.  Mike always tried to help people in any way he could.

Survivors include his mother, Charlene Parker, and her partner, Kenny Pearson, of NC.  Father, Michael Crook, and his wife, Patricia, of NC.  Brother, Cody Poteet, and his partner, Kimi Collins, of MO.  Aunt, Deborah Webb, and her husband, Timothy, of NC.  Uncle, William Coy, and his wife, Loraine, of MO.  Aunt, Pat Willix and her husband, Bob, of NC.  Cousins, Dustin Webb, of NC, and Kayla and Logan Pamer, both of MO., and other extended family members in St. Louis, including the Schacks, Earl (Sonny), Brian, and Melissa, and the Montgomerys, Jerry, Cheryl, and Christopher.  His honorary family, the Andersons, who always loved and cared for him as one of their own, include his very closest friends, Brad and his wife, Rheanna, and their son, Brayden, and Brad's parents, Stephen and Terri, of NC.  Several friends over the years that Mike cared about and always remembered fondly, include Jeremy Riddle, Brent Metcalf, Jeff Westbrook, Cassidy Gallimore, JD Green, Kevin Sullivan, and Eric Snyder, all of NC.  Mike carried the one and only true love of his life, Stephanie, close to his heart always.  He is also survived by three boys, Kaden, Carter, and Noah, whom he grew to love and care for dearly, as he provided a fatherly role, financial support, and a home for them during the last 5 years of his life.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, William and Dorothy Coy of MO., and paternal grandparents, Ex and Pauline Crook of NC.  Aunts, Becky Crook and Brenda Crook of NC.  Friend, Steven McCall, of NC.

There will be a memorial gathering of family and friends held for Mike on Saturday,11/5/22, at 2 pm, hosted by the Anderson family on their property. Please bring any photos (cell or hard copy) or videos you may have of Mike to share.  We would also love to hear any stories or memories of Mike you would like to share as well.  Please come celebrate Michael's life with us.  Casual attire only (we know Mike would appreciate clothes with paint stains in his honor).