Mr. Dhafir "Zakee" Daniel Crooks Shahid

Mr. Dhafir “Zakee” Shahid (aka) Daniel Eugene Crooks, 74, formerly of Peoria, IL, passed away on November 21, 2023 in San Bruno, CA. Zakee was born on March 23, 1949 in Peoria, IL and was the 8th child of Clarence and Ada (Warmack) Crooks, Sr. His death was sudden and unexpected to his family and friends. Zakee was educated in Peoria District 150 School system, graduating from Manual High School in 1967 where he was an outstanding athlete. He excelled in track and football. From his abilities in football, Zakee received an athletic scholarship from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was later drafted by the NFL Atlanta Falcons Football team while still in college He attended the Falcon’s training camp where he sustained an injury which ended his professional football aspirations. He returned home to heal and while at home Danny became Zakee. It was a turbulent time in the Civil Rights era in Peoria. Zakee emerged himself into the movement. He also joined seven other men to form the Peoria Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha. During this time, he also worked on his skills as an amateur photographer and DJ. He also worked on his computer skills which allowed him to upgrade his work skills. Zakee used his computer skills as his main form of employment. He last worked as a computer analyst while in California. Zakee leaves behind four siblings, one brother, Roger (Lourdes) Crooks of Panama City, FL; three sisters, Patricia Day of Hazel Crest, IL, Barbara (Cornell) Wright of Bartonville, IL and Candice Crooks of Country Club Hills, IL and many family members, friends and workers who will miss him. He was preceded in death by parents and seven siblings, Clarence Crooks, Jr. of Chicago, IL, Walter Crooks of Detroit, MI, Norman, Byron and Mark Crooks all of Peoria, IL and two sisters Charlotte Crooks and Francis Hole from Evanston, IL. A memorial service will begin at 9:30 am on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Mt. Zion M.B. Church with a gathering at 9 am. Rev. James Flemming will officiate. We did not know the day of November 21, 2023, GOD was going to call your name. No farewell words were to be spoken, no time to say goodbye. You were gone before we know it and GOD only knows why. In life we loved you dearly and in death we will love you too. You left us with many memories and your memories will carry us through. GOD has you in his keeping now and we have you in our hearts. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

Tributes

Mr. Dhafir "Zakee" Daniel Crooks Shahid

March 23, 1949 - November 21, 2023