Kenneth Brooks, Sr

Mr. Ken Brooks age 77 long time resident of DeFuniak Springs passed away at his home June 1, 2009. He was born September 11, 1931 in Beatrice, Nebraska the son of Harry Isaac and Thelma Kite Brooks. He grew up in Wichita, Kansas and after high school he joined the United States Air Force. Reaching the rank of Master Sergeant, Mr. Brooks served during the Korean Conflict and the Viet Nam Crisis. While stationed at Eglin Air Force Base he met his future wife during a mixer at the NCO Club. He and Agnes Itheria Gillis were married the following March of 1953. After retirement from the Air Force, Kenneth, a master watch repairman, purchased Florala Jewelry Store. He later moved his business to DeFuniak Springs and renamed it Brooks Jewelers which he operated until his retirement. Kenneth was part of the “lunch bunch” at Fannin’s Restaurant. He was a fan of Antiques Road Show, was an avid mystery reader and Sudoku puzzle solver. Mr. Brooks was a Baptist by faith. He was predeceased by his son Michael Wade Brooks in 1986, his wife of 49 years in 2002, his brother Harry “Bud” Brooks in 2004 and his sister Betty Jean Smith in 2006.

Among survivors are his son Dale Brooks and wife Sun Hwa attached to the U.S. Armed Forces in Seoul, Korea. His daughter Gay Brooks Pannell and husband Richard of DeFuniak Springs. His sister Joyce Steiner of Hoisington, Kansas. His sisters-in-law Voncile Wallace of DeFuniak Springs and Lois Brooks of Wichita, Kansas. Grandchildren, Michael, Neil, Daniel, Su, Keith and Kyle seven great gandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Floral arrangments are being accepted or memorials may be made to favorite charities in Mr. Brooks’ memory. A time of visitation will be Thursday, June 4, 2009 from 6 until 8 P.M. in Jerry Evans Chapel. Funeral services will be Friday, June 5, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. in First Baptist Church of DeFuniak Springs with Reverend Jerry Chumley officiating. Private family interment will be at a later time in Magnolia Cemetery.