Lt. Col. (Ret.) Christian Ainsworth Crooker

Christian (Chris) Ainsworth Crooker, 84, of Dover, Delaware passed away on November 14, 2025.  He was born on August 31, 1941 in Westerly, Rhode Island to Marion and Ainsworth Crooker. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a Bachelor’s degree and received his Master’s degree from Webster College.

Chris proudly served in the United States Air Force, where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor when flying his favorite plane, the F-100, in Vietnam. He continued his military career flying the C-141 and C-5 out of Dover Air Force Base.  After his retirement in 1987, Chris’s love for aviation continued.  He became a simulator pilot instructor for Flight Safety International for 20 years, where he trained the next generation of aviators.

He was known for his booming voice, ready smile, and positive outlook when faced with adversity.  A long wingspan and a wicked backhand helped him excel on the racquetball and tennis courts. His love of golf culminated with a hole in one on the 4th hole at Wild Quail.  Sharing his love of the ocean with his grandchildren was his true joy and nothing brought him more pleasure than having everyone under the same roof at the Outer Banks each summer. 

Chris is survived by his beloved wife of 59 wonderful years, Sharon Cameron; his children who were is pride and joy, Laura (Michael) Wright, Sarah (Robert) Ireland, Jonathan (Lorraine) Crooker; eight cherished grandchildren- Abigail, Caroline, Ainsley, Emma, Catherine, Cameron, Brandon, and Ethan; his sister Susan Pitkin; his nephew, Christian; and a wealth of Cameron in-laws.  

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025 between 2 and 4pm at Pippin Funeral Home, with interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you raise a glass of the beverage of your choice in Chris’s honor.

Letters of condolence may be sent via:  www.pippinfuneralhome.com

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