Schuyler "Sky" Jack Crooks, 45, of Grand Island completed his earthly journey and went to be with the Lord on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 4:50pm in Grand Island, NE.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday April 15th, 2026 at 11:00am at the GI Free Church in Grand Island NE, with Mr. Dan Rogers officiating; a luncheon to follow. There will be no visitation or burial.

Sky was born October 30, 1980 in Minden NE to Mark Alan Crooks and Lori Ann (Lewis) Crooks. He was raised in Hastings, NE along with his younger sisters Kelsey and Jaden "Jade". Sky went to Longfellow Elementary and graduated from Hastings Senior High in May of 2000.

Sky married Dorie (Clark) Crooks in May of 2006. On December 20, 2007 they had their son Xavier David Crooks.

Sky worked at the Bakery in Hastings, NE for approximately 8 years.

Sky's true calling, and most passionate work, was with Crossroads Mission Avenue; beginning as a guest July 16th, 2020 (also his sobriety date). In December of that year, he became House Manager at Crossroads Mission Avenue Grand Island Program. In November of 2021, Sky became Case Manager for the Men's Personal Resilience Program, in December of 2023 became the Shelter Director for Crossroads Mission Avenue Grand Island then transferred to the role of Operations Manager in April of 2025.

Sky was currently focusing on evangelism through the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA). Sky became a member of the Bridge Riders for Christ, Grand Island Chapter of CMA, on July 21, 2023, received his patch July 28, 2023, became Road Captain in 2025 and then President in 2026. Sky was full of pride being part of CMA, he especially enjoyed Biker Sundays and Changing of the Colors in Mena, Arkansas.

Sky had two "girls" in his life, his Red 1999 Harley Davidson and his fiancé Annie Auten. They were to be married May 23, 2026. Sky brought Annie out of her shell and she too became a part of CMA and is currently Treasurer of their local chapter.

Sky was a committed Christian and was a member of the GI Free Church in Grand Island, NE where he and Annie worshiped.  Sky's faith journey began shortly after his arrival at Crossroads in 2020 when he first experienced God's forgiveness and grace.  As with many, Sky experienced the ups and downs of seeking to live out his faith.  Yet through all the hard times, Jesus continued to shape him and to smooth out more and more of the rough edges of his life and character.  Sky's love for Jesus bore fruit as he sought to give back to others.  Whether through evangelistic outreach with CMA, leading devotions at Crossroads, or just encouraging others; Sky tried to pass on what he had received.  Sky's journey of sanctification was complete when he left this world and entered the presence of His Savior.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bridge Riders for Christ, Grand Island Chapter of CMA.

Left to cherish Sky's memory:

Mother Lori Crooks of Hastings

Sister Kelsey Furman (Dan) of Hastings

Sister & Nephew Jade Crooks and her son Axel of Hastings

Fiancé Annie Auten of Cedar Rapids, NE

Annie's Father Ray Auten of Cedar Rapids, NE

Annie's Brothers Rich Auten of Cedar Rapids and Ryan (Adri) Auten of Columbus

Nieces & Nephew Natalie, Ella, Isa, Sophie & Dean

Many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends

Those who greeted Sky in Heaven:

Grandparents Jack & Deloris Crooks from Minden

Grandparents Harvey & Donna Lewis from Edgar

Father Mark Crooks from Kearney

Aunt Helen Davis from Kansas

Uncle Larry "Beef" Heathers from Ravenna

Cousins: Miranda Heathers, Stacey Thomas, Sara Thomas and Jared Allen