Jerrell E. Brooks

BROOKS, Jerrell E. (Jerry), 79, went home to be with our Lord on Dec. 2, 2006, at Breeze Park Care Center in Weldon Spring following a long illness. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Katherine R. (Kathy) Brooks of Weldon Spring; a son, David J. (Gwen) Brooks of Dallas, TX; two daughters, Holly B. (Alan) Hildreth of Maryland Heights and Barbara B. (Larry) Myers of St. Peters; a sister, Helen (Joe) St. Martin of Palm Springs, CA and Waldport, OR; three sisters-in-law, Albina L. (the late Ivan) Brooks of Brick, NJ, Mary Beth (the late George) Reynolds of Kirkwood, and Barbara (the late Frank) Reynolds of Lexington, KY; twelve grandchildren; Natalie, Davidson (Tiffany), Clint and Reynolds Brooks; Drew, Brooke, Sally and Jared Hildreth; Erin, Laura, Michelle and Daniel Myers; numerous nieces and nephews and many, many friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his first wife and mother of the children, Miriam Ruth (Sally) Young Brooks, and his brother and sister-in-law, Douglas (Irma) Brooks. Jerry was born May 4, 1927, near Ft. Madison, IA to the late Jerrell C. and Nora Kincaid Brooks, and graduated from Ft. Madison High School. He served in the Navy during WWII and received a degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University. He also completed the class work toward a Master’s in EE at St. Louis University. He worked at Ashland Oil of Kentucky in Ashland, KY for eight years, and retired from McDonnell-Douglas (now Boeing) after 30 years as an electronics engineer in the Space and Missiles Program in St. Louis. He loved flying, and held licenses as a private pilot, in double engine aircraft, commercial and instructor. He was also an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting and fishing, traveling, camping, singing in choirs and choral groups and playing bridge. Jerry was an active member of the United Methodist Church of the Shepherd in St. Peters and belonged to Poage Lodge, F.&A.M. in Ashland. A celebration of his life will be held December 23, 2006 2:00 PM at Breeze Park Chapel, 600 Breeze Park Drive, Weldon Spring. Burial private. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to Parkinson’s Research, NAMI, the Breeze Park Stained Glass Fund, or a charity of your choice.